HM the King receives Azhar Grand Imam

Manama, Sep. 28 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has lauded the leading role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in the intellectual, cultural and civilisational fields, as well its stances in support of Islamic and Arab issues. The stances stem from the prestigious status enjoyed by Al-Azhar for centuries, as a scientific and religious beacon that promotes the great Islamic values of moderation, tolerance, peace and love, HM the King said as he received at the Al-Sakhir Palace today the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in Bahrain to chair the meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders, hosted by the kingdom. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb conveyed to HM the King greetings from the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and his wishes of abundant good health and happiness and of further progress and prosperity to Bahrain. HM the King welcomed Al-Azhar Grand Imam, and requested him to convey his greetings to the Egyptian President. HM King Hamad lauded the depth of the long-standing brotherly Bahraini-Egyptian relations, and their steady progress in various fields, highlighting the kingdom's support to Al-Azhar's noble mission of promoting the concept, culture and principles of moderate Islam that is open to all other religions and cultures. HM the King praised the intellectual and scientific contributions of Al-Azhar Grand Imam, as well as his valuable publications aimed at promoting the true civilisational and honourable image of Islam. HM King Hamad also hailed the positive role played by Dr. Al-Tayeb in promoting the values of dialogue among religions, adopting a moderate approach in all his interviews, and participation at various Islamic and international gatherings and benevolent efforts to unify Muslims in a bid to fend off threats to them. HM the King also valued highly Al-Azhar Grand Imam's supportive stances towards the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting that they are a source of appreciation and pride. HM King Hamad reviewed with Dr. Al-Tayeb ways to enhance cooperation between Bahrain and Al-Azhar in all fields that serve Islam and Muslims in the scientific, religious and educational fields, in addition to issued related to Islamic world. The meeting also stressed the importance of coordination among the relevant parties in the Arab and Islamic worlds to promote moderate ideology and enhance solidarity to overcome various challenges. Al-Azhar Grand Imam lauded HM the King's wise leadership and honourable supportive stances towards Arabs, Islam and Muslims. He extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his initiative to build 30 Azhari institutes across Egypt's governorates, noting that the generous royal initiative is in line with Bahrain's support to Al-Azhar's moderate mission and approach which are based co-existence and tolerance. Dr. Al-Tayeb reiterated Al-Azhar's unwavering support to Bahrain and its people.