President Abdel Fattah El Sisi witnessed the inauguration ceremony of El Fattah El Alim Mosque and the Nativity of the Christ Cathedral in the New Administrative Capital.

The ceremony was attended by a number of leaders and senior officials from several Arab, Islamic and foreign countries including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

It was also attended by Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal, Prime Minister Moustafa Madboli, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese, Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki in addition to a number of ministers and senior statesmen.

The inauguration ceremony began with a musical performance by singer Hisham Abbas followed by Islamic songs performed by youth artists. Later on, a Christian girl performed Christmas hymns.

Following the performance, a video by Pope Francis of the Vatican was displayed, showing him offer greetings to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese and the Orthodox Church on the occasion of the Orthodox Christmas Day.

A documentary was also displayed on the construction of the El Fattah El Alim Mosque and the Nativity of the Christ Cathedral in the New Administrative Capital.

Another documentary was also displayed, showing Muslim and Christian children perform prayers.

The documentary was followed by a musical performance by a number of children as they expressed their love for Egypt and their appreciation of national unity.

The first part of the ceremony came to an end by playing Egypt's national anthem.

They also listened to a detailed explanation by Major General Kamel al-Wazir on the mosque's design, and the two leaders performed the evening prayers at the mosque.

Thereafter, Sisi inaugurated “Jesus Christ nativity” Cathedral. Sheikh of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al Tayyeb delivered a speech at the Cathedral, in which he spotlighted the magnitude of the presence of the mosque and the church together. He also thanked the president for the superb mosque and congratulated the Pope on the occasion of Christmas stressing the importance of joining forces of both Muslims and Christians to confront and eliminate the extremist ideology.

The President listened to an explanation by General Kamel Al Wazir about the details of building the church and its area and capacity, pointing out that 4 national companies participated in the establishment of the cathedral.

During his participation inaugurating the cathedral, the president delivered a speech saying, “Two years ago, we were in the Abbassia Cathedral with Pope Tawadros and we promised to open the cathedral in the administrative capital. Today we are celebrating its inauguration after the opening of its first part last year."
He furthered to say, “The meaning beyond the inauguration of both the mosque and the church in the administrative capital makes up for a slam to whoever seeks to dismantle our union, which we will never allow .. We are all one identity”.

He furthered to say,” Love will spring out from Egypt to echo in the whole world. God al Mighty is He who saved Egypt and her people for these same people.”

Sisi referred to Pope Tawadros's speech in 2013 after the attack on some churches when he asserted that a homeland without churches is far better than churches without a homeland. He pointed out that 14 new cities with churches and mosques are underway, but we must consider preserving our country as a top priority. The President stressed that the Pope's speech at that time reflected great unforgettable meanings.

Sisi concluded, “My congratulations to His Holiness Pope Tawadros and all Christians and all Egyptians on the occasion of Christmas, Happy New Year.”