At an invitation by the mayor of Munster, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Prof. Ahmed al-Tayeb visited the historic Friedenssal (Peace Hall), which witnessed in 1648 the signing Peace Treaty (Peace of Westphalia) to end a sectarian war. The Grand Imam was received by the mayor of Munster Markus Lewe (Levy), the head of interfaith dialogue committee Bishop Hans Yaschke, the Rector of Munster University and a number of top religious authorities, political leaders and public figures.
At the beginning, the Mayor extended enthusiastic welcome to the Grand Imam for visiting the Friedenssaal, as it would be a historic visit. The Mayor also launched a call for an interfaith peaceful dialogue in the city.
In his speech, the Grand Imam emphasized the necessity of ending current wars, and stressed that Peace among peoples starts with interfaith dialogue. He explained that Islam and Christianity are religions of peace and love.
After finishing his speech, the Grand Imam wrote a statement in the historic record of the Hall visits amid an enthusiastic clapping by the attendees.