Ambassador Patterson Meets Civil Society Leaders in Alexandria

February 10, 2013

Alexandria – On February 10, U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Anne W. Patterson visited Alexandria to meet with a number of civil society leaders. 
 
“Democracy needs a healthy and active civil society...My staff in Cairo and Alexandria and I have met with NGOs focused on improving education, creating business opportunities, promoting dialogue between members of different religions, nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship and offering opportunities for vocational training,” remarked Ambassador Patterson during a speech to the Mariout Rotary Club.  “These are just a small sample of what a thriving civil society can do for a country and its people.”
 In addition to her speech at the Rotary, the Ambassador visited Alexandria University president Dr. Osama Ibrahim and paid a call upon the clergy of Qadiseen church.  After a tour of the church, she spoke with the church clergy and expressed her condolences for the New Years bombing of the church in 2011.