The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, met this morning the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the presidential palace in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, to discuss ways to enhance aspects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. The Kazakh President welcomed the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to his second country, Kazakhstan, stressing that Kazakhstan, The leadership and the people, well appreciate the efforts of the Grand Imam in spreading the correct image of Islam, countering extremism, and spreading the principles of human fraternity regionally and globally. The Kazakh president added that the Kazakh people are following with interest the efforts made by his Eminence in the West and the East, which have caused a great global impact in confronting Islamophobia and promoting dialogue between different cultures and ethnicities. President Kassym-Jomart indicated also that the whole world, not only the Muslim world, is aware of the value of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.
Egypt, through Al-Azhar Al-Sharif , the President continued, has provided great support to Kazakhstan in adopting moderate Islam, which is based on respect for the other, spreading the values of mutual rapprochement and friendliness, and renouncing violence, hatred and intolerance. This support is clearly manifested in the Kazakh students who studied at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and came back to us to spread what they learned in our societies. The president stressed that the Kazakh society’s need for Al-Azhar is increasing day by day, expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace and tolerance.
For his part, His Eminence the Grand Imam expressed his happiness to visit Kazakhstan to participate in the activities of the Seventh Congress of Religious Leaders: "The Role of Religious Leaders in the Spiritual and Social Development of Humanity in Post-Covid-19 Period", appreciating the efforts of Kazakhstan, through hosting this international religious summit, in promoting the culture of coexistence and dialogue. The Grand Imam added that this forum has become a global platform that represents the unified voice of religion in the face of world crises and contemporary challenges. His Eminence also underscored the depth of the historical relations between Al-Azhar and Kazakhstan, which were established and promoted through scientific, cultural and advocacy exchanges between the two parties, stressing Al-Azhar’s readiness to support Kazakhstan with all that it needs in terms of scholarships and specialized training for imams, as well as through the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace and fraternity, and activating the role of youth in building bridges and respect between religions. This is due to the great importance of this country. The Grand Imam expressed that he encourages the Kazakh imams to study at the Al-Azhar International Academy for the Training of Imams and Preachers, to enhance their communication skills, study contemporary problems and refute the ideas of extremist groups.