Bahrain King visits Egypt’s Islamic institution Al-Azhar Al-Sharif

Cairo : Lauding the leading role of Egypt’s renowned Islamic institution Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in defending Muslims issues, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa appreciated its Grand Imam’s efforts in the dissemination of the moderate Islamic ideology. 

HM the King thanked the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, for his supportive stances towards Bahrain, praising Al-Azhar’s promotion for principles of moderation, coexistence and defending the right.

HM King Hamad, who is on an official visit to Egypt, was speaking during his visit to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif yesterday. 

HM the King was received by the Grand Imam along with Deputy Grand Imam Dr. Abbas Shuman, Al-Azhar University President Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hudhud, members of Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk, Dr. Abdulfatah Baraka, Dr. Mohammed Abdulfadhil Al-Kussi, Dr. Nasir Fareed Wasil, Advisor to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Judge Mohammed Abdulsalam, Islamic Research Secretary-General Muhyialdine Afifi, Head of Al-Azhar Institutes Dr. Mohammed Abu-Zaid Al-Amir and a number of officials. 

Dr. Al-Tayeb praised HM the King’s statesmanship and acute vision in handling various situations. He asserted Al-Azhar’s stance on addressing the calls of division and extremism aimed at undermining the Arab region’s security and sowing discord among Muslims. He stressed that loyalty to the homeland is a vital pillar of the Islamic law. Dr. Al-Tayeb also presented a commemorative gift to HM the King. 

At Coptic Orthodox Church

HM King Hamad visited Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo. HM the King was welcomed by Pope Tawadros II and senior officials of the church.

On the occasion, Pope Tawadros II praised the strong relations between Bahrain and Egypt as well as religious tolerance characterising Bahrain. He also stressed the role of the Egyptian church in fostering regional peace.

Commending the Egyptian national unity,  HM the King pointed out the church’s efforts in promoting the culture of peace and tolerance. “Bahrain always emphasises boosting the progress of citizenship and guaranteeing religious freedom,” HM King Hamad remarked.

In another meeting, HM the King held discussions with Arab League Secretary General designate Ahmed Abul Gheit and Arab ambassadors.