Pope Tawadros II’s Belgrade Visit Strengthens Egyptian-Serbian Ties Across Faith and Government

OCP News Service – 10/05/2025

Belgrade-Serbia: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church concluded a significant leg of his pastoral visit to the Diocese of Central Europe with a series of high-level meetings in Belgrade, Serbia, engaging with key figures in the Serbian government and fostering deeper connections between the two nations and their respective churches.

On May 6th, Pope Tawadros II and his delegation visited the Serbian Parliament, where they were warmly received by Ms. Zagorka Aleksic, Chair of the Serbian-Egyptian Parliamentary Friendship Group, and other members. The discussions centered on the strong brotherly relationship between the Coptic and Serbian Orthodox Churches and the potential for enhanced religious and educational cooperation between Egypt and Serbia. Ms. Aleksic lauded the visit as a “great honor” and emphasized the vital role of dialogue and love in bridging the two nations. Members of parliament echoed these sentiments, highlighting the historical importance of both parliamentary and religious ties and inviting the Pope to experience Serbia’s spiritual heritage through its monasteries. Pope Tawadros expressed his joy at visiting Serbia, referencing his meeting with the Serbian Patriarch and his profound experience at the Church of Saint Sava. He underscored the shared love for saints between Copts and Serbs and Egypt’s unique geographic and historical significance. The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, symbolizing the deep friendship between the Egyptian and Serbian peoples.

Later on May 6th, Pope Tawadros II met with Serbian Minister of Culture, Mr. Nikola Selaković. Minister Selaković recalled his impactful visit to Egypt in 2021 and expressed his delight at the Pope’s presence in Belgrade, particularly during the 850th anniversary of Saint Sava’s birth, who established early spiritual and cultural links between the two nations through his visit to the Holy Land and Egypt. The Minister proposed enhanced cultural cooperation, including exhibitions on Egyptian culture and the Coptic Orthodox Church in Serbia, and invited reciprocal initiatives. Pope Tawadros warmly welcomed these proposals, emphasizing the power of culture in fostering understanding and offering his full support, including the exchange of books on Saint Sava and the Coptic Orthodox Church as a foundation for joint cultural events.

On May 7th, Pope Tawadros II was received by Serbian Prime Minister Mr. Đuro Macut. The Prime Minister hailed the visit as “historic,” recognizing the Pope as the leader of the “oldest and largest Church in the East” and a crucial step in strengthening bilateral relations beyond the religious sphere. He emphasized Serbia’s commitment to interfaith coexistence, aligning with the vision of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Pope Tawadros reciprocated his happiness at the meeting, noting the strong connection he felt between the two peoples and expressing gratitude for the Serbian Orthodox Church providing a place of worship for Coptic Egyptians. The Prime Minister announced his intention to make Egypt his first official visit abroad, underscoring the depth of bilateral ties. Pope Tawadros concluded by stressing the need for integration between the “spirit and heart” of the East and the “mind and science” of the West, with mutual visits strengthening love and building bridges. The meeting ended with an exchange of commemorative gifts.

Pope Tawadros II’s visit to Serbia marks a significant step in bolstering diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual ties between Egypt and Serbia, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations and their ancient Christian traditions.

Source:

OCP News Service