Antiquities Minister Khaled Anani acknowledged Saint Catherine's Monastery as a symbol of tolerance and junction of religions.
This came during his visit to the UNESCO-listed heritage site accompanied by 32 ambassadors on the sidelines of the "Here We Pray Together" forum.
The ambassadors listened to a detailed explanation of the monastery's history and its prominent role throughout the ages.
The minister pointed to the importance of the transfiguration mosaic, located at the monastery's main church (Katholikon).
The mosaic lies in an area of 46 square meters and represents the image of Christ using a thousand and 500 small mosaic pieces.
Anani also noted that renovation works are being carried out at the monastery's library, which includes about 6,000 manuscripts and more than 6,000 books.
Upon arrival, Anani and the delegation toured former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's lounge, where they were received by the Governor of South Sinai, Khaled Fouda.
Several Ministers were among the attendees: Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, Minister of Religious Endowment (Awkaf), Inas Abdel Dayem, Minister of Culture, Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Tourism, Ali Moslehi, Minister of Supply, Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Sports, Mahmoud Sharawy Minister of Local Development, as well as Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Nabila Makram.
Saint Catherine's Monastery is a symbol of tolerance and the convergence of religions. It is one of the seven most important Egyptian sites inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Contributed by: Taarek Refaat
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