Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], July 5: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar, King of Malaysia, received His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. During the meeting, both leaders emphasised the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence.
At the beginning of the meeting, the King of Malaysia expressed the Malaysian people's appreciation for the Grand Imam's efforts in spreading the message of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others. His Majesty noted that he had cut short his tour of Johor to welcome the Grand Imam and also praised the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, presenting the true image of Islam, correcting misconceptions, combating extremist ideologies, and enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.
For his part, the Grand Imam commended Malaysia's exemplary Islamic model in respecting diversity and plurality, as well as its supportive stances on the issues of the Muslim Ummah.
The Grand Imam congratulated His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar on his enthronement as King of Malaysia, praying that Malaysia will enjoy further progress and prosperity during his reign.
The Grand Imam also highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders' pioneering efforts in promoting the values of dialogue and enhancing the culture of coexistence, fraternity, and positive integration. This was exemplified by the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in 2019, which revitalised the relationship between Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church. He also mentioned the Egyptian Family House project, an initiative launched by Al-Azhar with Egyptian churches, which has yielded positive results in fostering genuine integration and harmony within Egyptian society.
Source: Emirates News Agency