UAE President receives Grand Imam of Al Azhar

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

During the meeting, the President welcomed Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb and wished him good health and a successful visit to his second home, the UAE.

The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between relevant entities in the UAE and both Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilised dialogue, and peace among various cultures and peoples worldwide based on the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting also discussed the Muslim Council of Elders initiative titled Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

He commended the Grand Imam's significant efforts in spreading the message of understanding and human coexistence and fostering a culture of mutual respect. He also praised Al Azhar's pivotal role in presenting the true image of Islam and maintaining its benevolent and peaceful message.

The Grand Imam praised Sheikh Mohamed's initiatives and charitable efforts to support regional and global peace and development. He also highlighted Sheikh Mohamed's humanitarian approach, which focuses on human development and empowerment worldwide.

Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb expressed his appreciation for the UAE's commitment to Islamic issues, continuing its historical support for its brothers, especially the Palestinian people and their cause at various levels.

He highlighted Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts in promoting values of peace, coexistence, and human fraternity, combating hate speech and extremism, and supporting the role of religious scholars and leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.