The Hungarian government fully supports Egypt’s powerful efforts to combat terrorism and protect Christian communities, he said. On Palm Sunday, two terrorist attacks killed 44 and injured over 100 in two Christian churches in Egypt.

The attacks were claimed by the terrorist organisation Islamic State. In response to the attacks, President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi announced a three-month-long state of emergency. Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér also expressed his condolences.

He sent messages to Egypt’s president, the Patriarch of its Coptic Orthodox Church, and his Egyptian counterpart over Sunday’s bombings of Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria.

In the message sent to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Kövér stressed Hungary’s solidarity with the Egyptian government and people in their fight against terrorism.

Adressing Egyptian Coptic Pope Tawadros II, Kövér offered Hungary’s help, noting the protection of Middle Eastern Christians as one of the country’s most important goals. Kövér also said that the aim of the attacks was to undermine Egypt’s national unity.

The house speaker wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the blasts.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Kovács Attila