Two Egyptians have been honoured by Queen Elizabeth, making it to the monarch’s birthday honours list announced last Saturday. Deputy governor of the Bank of England, Dr Neamat Talaat Shafik, and General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, Bishop Angaelos, were acknowledged for their outstanding service to the British society.
In a statement, Britain’s ambassador to Cairo John Casson described the inclusion of Egyptians as a celebration.
“Today is a day to celebrate how Britain and Egypt working together gets amazing results. Dr Shafik and Bishop Angaelos have led dedicated lives in service of others and it is right that their achievements and contributions to Britain, Egypt, and indeed the whole world are recognised. They, along with many other outstanding individuals honoured for their public service today, are inspirations to young Britons and young Egyptians alike.”
Dr Shafik, who is originally from Egypt’s second city of Alexandria, was made a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to public administration and the global economy.
She has previously worked as deputy managing director of the IMF and permanent secretary of the UK’s Department for International Development.
Meanwhile, Bishop Angaelos was made Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to international religious freedom, according to a press release.