Cairo, 15 April 2008 -- The British Ambassador in Cairo Dominic Asquith called today on His Holiness Pope Shenouda. During the visit, Ambassador Asquith listened in full to His Holiness views.
The Ambassador expressed his strong desire to build on the deep friendship between the British and Egyptian communities and to look forward at how they can both cooperate in the interests of both countries. Ambassador Asquith underlined that the UK's objective remains to make Pope Shenouda's future visits comfortable. Ambassador Asquith announced: "We have the highest respect, esteem and affection for Pope Shenouda. There has been no intention at all to offend His Holiness or cause him upset. We regret any other impressions that might have been deduced." Pope Shenouda was on a visit to the UK to inaugurate the first purpose built Coptic Cathedral. As a sign of the esteem and affection in which he is held, Her Britannic Majesty sent Her representative to attend the ceremony and so did Prime Minister Brown.