Egyptian Ambassador to Australia Mohamed Khairat has welcomed Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese to Sydney, seeing him as a national symbol and supporter of the Egyptian State.

Khairat, in statements upon receiving the pope Wednesday, said the Egyptian people and government appreciate the big national role played by the Coptic Church in Egypt. 

He said Tawadros' visit is important, not only at the level of the church, but also to the Australian government. 

During his stay, Tawadros is scheduled to meet with a number of Australian officials, including the prime minister, the diplomat said.

Earlier today, Tawadros arrived in Sydney, his second leg of a tour that also took him to Tokyo, Japan.

He will stay in Australia until September 13.

Source: MENA