The United Arab Emirates on Monday condemned in the "strongest terms" the attacks against a church in the Egyptian capital where 12 people were killed and scores wounded in Muslim-Christian clashes.
The UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Mohammed Gergash, urged Egyptians to distance themselves from the rioters and resist attempts to "disrupt their country's security and stability".
He expressed solidarity with Cairo and condemned attacks on places of worship, the official WAM news agency reported, noting Egypt had been known for religious tolerance for thousands of years.
Clashes on Saturday in the working-class neighbourhood of Imbaba in northwestern Cairo left 12 people dead and 232 injured, according to Egyptian state television.
Among those killed were four Christians and six Muslims, while two other bodies were still unidentified.
The two groups clashed after Muslims attacked Saint Mena church in Imbaba in a bid to free a woman they alleged was being held against her will because she wanted to convert to Islam.
Egypt's government warned on Sunday it will use an "iron hand" to ensure national security.
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