King receives Grand Imam

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has lauded the leading role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in the intellectual, cultural and civilisational fields as well stances in support of Islamic and Arab issues.

The stances stem from the prestigious status enjoyed by Al-Azhar for centuries, as a scientific and religious beacon, said HM the King.

HM King Hamad was speaking as he received at the Al-Sakhir Palace yesterday the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb to chair the meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb conveyed to HM the King greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. HM the King welcomed Al-Azhar Grand Imam, and requested him to convey his greetings to the Egyptian President.

King Hamad lauded the depth of the long-standing Bahraini-Egyptian relations, and their steady progress in various fields, highlighting the Kingdom’s support to Al-Azhar’s noble mission of promoting the concept, culture and principles of moderate Islam that is open to all other religions and cultures. 

His Majesty praised the contributions of Al-Azhar Grand Imam, as well as his valuable publications aimed at promoting the true civilisational and honourable image of Islam. 

King Hamad also hailed the positive role played by Dr. Al-Tayeb in promoting the values of dialogue among religions, adopting a moderate approach in all his interviews, and participation at various Islamic and international gatherings. 

HM King also valued highly Al-Azhar Grand Imam’s supportive stances towards the Kingdom, noting that they are a source of appreciation and pride.

The meeting also stressed the importance of coordination among the relevant parties in the Islamic world to promote moderate ideology. 

Al-Azhar Grand Imam thanked HM the King for his initiative to build 30 Azhari institutes across Egypt’s governorates.