AMB. AVIQUIVIL ATTENDS INAUGURATION OF EGYPTIAN-FILIPINO PROGRAM FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE CBCP

31 August 2026- Ambassador Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil attended the opening ceremony of a week-long seminar spearheaded by the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf (Ministry of Religious Endowments) called “Egyptian-Filipino Program for Religious Leaders on Dialogue, Coexistence and Peace-building; The Egyptian Experience in Fostering Coexistence and Building an Inclusive Society” which takes place from 28 August to 06 September 2026. Philippine participants include members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, led by Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, Archbishop of Lipa and President of the CBCP. He is accompanied by nine other bishops and priests from various parishes especially those within Muslim communities in the Philippines.

During the ceremony, Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Endowments, welcomed the participants and informed that the program is an opportunity to learn from each other and build trust between the two countries to achieve security and cooperation between Egypt and the Philippines, and Muslim and Christian communities. For his part, Bishop Garcera thanked the Ministry for the invitation and informed that the delegation looks forward to learn and understand the principles of Shari’ah Law as well as the cultural sensitivities that are important to the Muslim communities where their priests may serve.

Amb. Aviquivil also welcomed the Philippine delegation and extended her appreciation to the Ministry of Endowments for organizing the program and for the warm hospitality extended to the participants. Amb. Aviquivil highlighted that both the Philippines and Egypt value peace, human dignity, respect, coexistence and understanding among peoples. She hoped that the program will be an opportunity for listening, learning from one another, engaging in meaningful dialogue and gaining deeper appreciation of each other’s religious traditions. She also noted that interfaith dialogue not only builds bridges and friendships but also contributes to peace in communities and nations.

Also in attendance during the ceremony were Dr. Alia Burham, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cultural Relations, and His Grace Anba Bakhoum, Patriarchal Vicar for the Patriarchal Eparchy of the Coptic Catholic Church and Spokesman of the Catholic Church in Egypt. END.