The Grand Imam Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Sheikh Al-Azhar received Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). His eminence the Grand Imam welcomed the IPU Secretary General and emphasized that Al-Azhar takes pride in the long history of parliamentary life in Egypt which laid the foundation of parliamentary culture and practice in the Arab region and the African continent.

His eminence emphasized that Al-Azhar is an institution for da’wa and education concerned with teaching and explaining the moderate thought of Islam, countering distorted thought that is spread by extremist and terrorists groups, as well as promoting the values of peace, tolerance, dialogue and mutual coexistence. The Grand Imam also stressed the necessity of cooperation and coordination of efforts among international parliaments to achieve the aspirations and hopes of the peoples of the world in a better and brighter future.

On his part, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union expressed his appreciation of the role played by Al-Azhar in combatting terrorist thought and the efforts of the Grand Imam in establishing peace among the various nations and peoples, emphasizing that the lectures and speeches of His eminence Sheikh Al-Azhar during his tours in Europe, Asia, and Africa, clarified the true image of Islam.