Macut meets with Tawadros II

CAIRO - Serbia remains firmly committed to cherishing the centuries-long friendly ties with Egypt and to preservation of religious freedoms and inter-religious dialogue, Serbian PM Djuro Macut said on Wednesday in Cairo at a meeting with Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the Holy See of Saint Mark.

Macut expressed deep respect for the rich history and spiritual significance of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Serbian government said in a statement.

Macut said the patriarch's recent meeting with Serbian Patriarch Porfirije in Belgrade was extremely important for deepening the cooperation among all Orthodox churches, and added that the visit represented a significant historic moment and a confirmation of deep respect Serbia and its people had for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

During the discussion, Macut and Tawadros II devoted special attention to historical and spiritual ties between Serbs and Egyptians.

They agreed that, amid the challenges of the modern world, culture and religion had a crucial role in promoting peace, understanding and tolerance among nations.

The leader of the Coptic church spoke about the role of religious communities in modern society, the significance of inter-religious dialogue and strengthening of inter-state and inter-human relations.

He noted that the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church cherished friendly relations based on mutual respect and on shared Christian values.