Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered his condolences to his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit on the death of Marwa El Sherbini. Federal Minister Steinmeier today (10 July) wrote the following to Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit:

”The horrible death of Marwa El Sherbini in Dresden has deeply shocked people in Germany and me personally. I would like to offer you, the Egyptian people and especially the family of Ms El Sherbini my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy.

Let me assure you that we are doing all we can to prevent such crimes from happening.We are committed to ensuring that every person in Germany feels safe, regardless of their background, nationality or faith.This is the highest maxim for action by the State.

Xenophobia and Islamophobia have no place in Germany.

Members of my staff have been in constant contact with your embassy in Berlin and the authorities in Saxony since we first learned of the attack.We will continue to work closely with Ambassador Ramzy and his staff and will do everything in our power to assist Ms El Sherbini's family, especially her husband.“