Justice Minister Ahmed el Zend visited the papal HQ in Abbassiya and met with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese on Monday.

The justice minister hailed the patriotic role of the pope and said he was keen to interact with the Orthodox Church to get acquainted with its viewpoints on draft laws related to Coptic citizens.

Zend said he was keen to learn about the Church’s vision regarding bills on the construction and restoration of churches and the civil status of Coptic citizens as both are presented at the legislative reform committee.

Pope Tawadros said a legal study was compiled by the church on the two bills and will be submitted during their drafting.