Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is a fair and enlightened leader, said Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II Saturday.

He, meanwhile, praised efforts exerted by Sisi to attain constitutional and political stability in Egypt.

He also said that he supports all initiatives aiming to restore stability in Egypt.

Sisi spares no effort to shed light on the importance of preserving Egypt's stability, he added in an exclusive interview with MENA Saturday before the opening of Saint George Monastery next Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab and the Greek president.

He also voiced happiness for the attention given by Sisi to facilitate the Patriarchal charitable activities.

Sisi exerts utmost efforts to protect Egypt from terrorism, especially in light of the unstable conditions in the Middle East, he added.

Responding to a question about Sisi's call to renew religious discourse to confront extremism in the region, Patriarch Theodoros II said that the Middle East is currently suffering from the spread of terrorism, adding that those who ruled in this region did not pay due attention to improve the living conditions of citizens and they only cared about their personal interests.

He, meanwhile, said that a celebration will be held on April 24 on the occasion of finalizing the restoration work of Saint George Monastery in Old Cairo.

The celebration will be attended by the Egyptian prime minister and the Greek president, he added.

The Monastery is considered one of the unique archaeological buildings in the Middle East, he added.

He further said that a Greek businessman bore part of the cost to restore the Monastery.

He also said that the Monastery is considered a symbol of friendship between Egypt and Greece.

Regarding the situation in Libya, especially after the killing of 21 Egyptians by Daesh terrorist group, Patriarch Theodoros II described the crime as brutal and non-humanitarian.
Source: MENA