Aswan - MENA
Presidential Media Adviser Ahmed el-Meslemani paid a visit Saturday to Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation In Aswan. Meslemani said that President Adly Mansour delegated him to visit Yacoub to congratulate him for the achievements made in his heart foundation in Aswan and for receiving the British Order of Merit. Speaking at a press conference held with the illustrious doctor here on Saturday, Meslemani said that he will refer a report to the president on the visit along with the foundation's requirements. Meslemani, meanwhile, praised the efforts exerted by Yacoub inside and outside Egypt, especially in the Nile Basin countries. Yacoub, for his part, welcomed Meslmeani's visit, adding that he truly appreciates Mansour's keenness on delegating his adviser to visit him. Yacoub also urged Egyptians to vote in the constitution referendum, describing it as a crucial step to build the future. Yacoub, who also holds the British nationality, was honored before in 2007 and was given the title "Sir" by the Queen in 1991. He is listed in the Guinness World Record for doing 100 heart surgeries in one year in 1980. In 2011, he was honored for his work in Egypt when he was awarded the Nile Collar for science and humanity. According to the website of the British Monarchy, "the Order of Merit is a special honor awarded to individuals of great achievement in the fields of the arts, learning, literature and science. There are very few foreign recipients, although those given the Order have included Dr Albert Schweitzer, General Eisenhower, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Nelson Mandela.