The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif Prof. Ahmed El-Tayeb received on Monday, 17 August, Ambassador of Somalia to Cairo to discuss ways of strengthening the academic and religious cooperation.
The Grand Imam stressed the depth of the long-standing ties between Al-Azhar and the people of Somalia, highlighting that many Somali scholars have received their education at Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. He also noted that about 59 Al-Azhar envoys are currently serving in Somalia, teaching the Azhari curricula and enhancing the values of moderation.
His eminence confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to further enhance its scholarly and religious support to Somalia, and to receive more Imams for training at Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Scholars, in response to the needs of the Somali community. His Eminence also gave orders to increase the number of Azhari delegates to Somalia in various fields of Islamic sciences and the Arabic language, in line with the priorities identified by the Somali side.
For his part, the Somali Ambassador expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam and his country’s appreciation for the academic and religious support provided by Al-Azhar, as well as for his efforts in supporting the African continent. His Excellency affirmed his country’s keenness to benefit from Al-Azhar’s expertise in training imams and scholars, and to follow its moderate approach in promoting the values of moderation and positive coexistence. He also underscored the need to meet the Somali community’s demand for qualified religious and academic personnel capable of addressing contemporary ideological challenges.