His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed al-Tayeb, received His Excellency Sergio Carranza, Spain’s ambassador to Cairo, on Monday at Al-Azhar headquarters to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar's appreciation for Spain's courageous positions on just causes, foremost among them its stance on the aggression against Gaza, and its clear rejection of the crimes and massacres committed amid global silence.
The Grand Imam stated, "We have followed your country's courageous positions. Spain has set a remarkable example of the fairness and justice expected of developed nations. We call upon all countries to follow Spain’s example and demonstrate the courage to support oppressed peoples."
The Grand Imam further emphasized that Al-Azhar seeks to instill values of diversity and acceptance of others among its students. Accordingly, its educational approach is rooted in moderation, rejection of extremism, and the promotion of peace and positive coexistence.
His Eminence also affirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to increase the number of scholarships offered to Spanish students wishing to study at Al-Azhar, as well as to provide training opportunities for Spanish Imams at Al-Azhar's Global Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. The training programs are based on moderate and academically grounded curricula developed by specialized committees of senior Al-Azhar scholars in various disciplines.
For his part, the Spanish ambassador expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and conveyed his country's appreciation for His Eminence's efforts in promoting world peace, strengthening values of fraternity, and supporting vulnerable communities.
He noted that Spanish foreign policy is founded on respect for human rights and adherence to international law. He also affirmed that Al-Azhar is one of the world's leading institutions in promoting justice and tolerance on a global scale.
The ambassador further highlighted Spain’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Al-Azhar in the fields of translation, academic exchange, and joint research projects between Al-Azhar University and Spanish universities, in addition to hosting Al-Azhar envoys to participate in Ramadan activities and religious programs at Spanish mosques.