AMB. AVIQUIVIL PARTICIPATES IN CLOSING CEREMONY FOR MEMBERS OF CBCP WHO UNDERWENT EGYPTIAN-FILIPINO PROGRAM FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS

06 September 2026 - Ambassador Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil participated in the closing ceremony of the Egyptian-Filipino Program for Religious Leaders on Dialogue, Coexistence and Peace-building, a week-long initiative organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Endowments from 29 August to 06 September 2026 for members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The program, held under the theme “The Egyptian Experience in Fostering Coexistence and Building an Inclusive Society,” brought together senior Filipino Catholic bishops and clergy with Egyptian government officials, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, scholars, and peace-building practitioners. It formed part of broader Philippine-Egyptian efforts to strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among faith communities. The CBCP delegation was led by Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, Archbishop of Lipa and CBCP President together with nine (9) other bishops and priests.

The ceremony was held at the Grand Mosque of Egypt (Masjid Misr) in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, with the presence of Minister of Endowments Dr. Osama Al-Azhari; Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi; Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Counsellor Hani Azer; State Information Service Chairman Ambassador Alaa Youssef; Former Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Zaki, religious leaders; and Filipino Al-Azhar students.

During her speech, Amb. Aviquivil stated that the sessions and lectures have provided the Philippine delegation with a deeper appreciation of the Egyptian experience in promoting peaceful coexistence and building an inclusive society. On the other hand, she hoped that these discussions and encounters have likewise offered the Egyptian side a better understanding of the Philippine experience, particularly the country’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual respect and harmony among people of different faiths and traditions. She thanked the Ministry of Endowments for the initiative and looked forward to more exchanges and greater cooperation in the field of religion and interfaith dialogue between our the Philippines and Egypt.

Earlier on 03 September 2026, Amb. Aviquivil accompanied the delegation during their engagement with His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on religious dialogue, moderation, coexistence, and the shared responsibility of faith leaders to promote peace and mutual respect.

To complete the CBCP’s visit to Egypt, the delegation co-celebrated Sunday Mass attended by members of the Filipino community at the St. Joseph’s Church in Zamalek, Cairo. During the homily, Archbishop Garcera highlighted the coming together of Christians and Muslims in communal prayer working towards peace aligning with the week-long program's theme of peaceful co-existence among communities of various faiths and backgrounds. END.