Al-Azhar University President: Bahrain Forum for Dialogue a step on the path of dialogue between East and West

Cairo, Oct. 27 (BNA): President of Al-Azhar University, Dr. Salama Daoud, has affirmed that the prospective visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, to the Kingdom of Bahrain next month to participate in the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, which will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, coinciding with the historic official visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Kingdom of Bahrain at the invitation of HM the King, is considered an essential step on the path of dialogue between the East and West. He said the visit reflects the growing and influential role of the greatest Islamic institution in the world to spread peace and achieve religious coexistence across the world. Dr. Salama Daoud commended the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its constant approach of promoting inter-faith dialogue and coexistence, in cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Catholic Church, the Muslim Council of Elders and a number of international institutions. He stressed the great interest accorded by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb to humanitarian issues as well as promoting peace and coexistence between all people. He lauded the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in launching the "East and West Dialogue" initiative to foster dialogue and tolerance and enhance cooperation between people. Around 200 prominent religious personalities are taking part in the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, which will convene on November 3 and 4, alongside prominent intellectual and media personalities.