Queen Elizabeth II has honored two Egyptians in the United Kingdom for their outstanding contributions to their fields and outstanding service to British society.
The two honorees, deputy governor of the Bank of England Nemat Talaat Shafik and General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the U.K. Bishop Angaelos were included in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list, which was announced by the British Embassy in Egypt on Saturday.
Nemat Shafik has been made a dame commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to public administration and the global economy.
Shafik, who was born in Alexandria, studied at the American University in Cairo before earning a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and later a doctorate in economics from Oxford University.
The renowned economist worked as the deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, holding the position from 2011 to 2014. She previously worked as permanent secretary of the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), starting the position in 2008. In addition, Shafik was also the youngest ever vice president at the World Bank.
Bishop Angaelos has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to international religious freedom.
He was born in Cairo and then emigrated to Australia, where he obtained a degree in political science, philosophy and psychology, as well as a postgraduate degree in law.
He then returned to Egypt and was consecrated a monk by Pope Shenouda III in 1990 before he went on to begin his pastoral mission in the UK in 1999.
“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 recognized,” British ambassador John Casson said in a statement.
“They, along with many other outstanding individuals honored for their public service today, are inspirations to young Britons and young Egyptians alike,” Casson added.
The birthday honors are bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II as a part of the celebration of monarch’s official birthday. They acknowledge those who made outstanding achievements in public life and outstanding contributions to British society.