His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, received on Thursday, April 23, H.E. Mr. Samba Alhamdobaby, the new ambassador of the Republic of Mali to Cairo.
The Grand Imam affirmed the depth of relations between Al-Azhar and Mali, noting that 369 Malian students are currently enrolled across various academic stages at Al-Azhar. He also pointed out that 14 Azhari envoys are serving in Malian institutes to spread the moderate approach of Al-Azhar.
His Eminence expressed Al-Azhar’s willingness to increase scholarships allocated for students of Mali in line with the needs of the Malian society. He also welcomed hosting Malian Imams for training at Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, under well-structured curricula aimed at combating extremism, refuting extremist ideologies, and enhancing Imams’ capacities to address contemporary issues, especially those related to coexistence, acceptance of the others and the status of women in Islam.
For His part, His Excellency ambassador of Mali expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam, and conveyed his country’s deep appreciation for His Eminence’s significant efforts in serving Islam and Muslims. He also commended Al-Azhar’s support and care for international students especially those from of Mali.
The ambassador further noted that Mali relies a lot on its Azhari graduates to spread social peace and combat extremism, asserting that Al-Azhar graduates in Mali enjoy high esteem that qualifies them to assume senior positions in the country.