His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayeb met in his office with Mr. Greg Lewis, the Ambassador of New Zealand to Cairo.
At the beginning of the meeting, the ambassador conveyed to the Grand Imam the condolences of the New Zealand government and Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, for the victims of the terrorist attack against the two Mosques in Christchurch, stressing that his country considers the act as a terrorist one, and it has put the criminal on trial.
The Ambassador of New Zealand showed that his country fully appreciates and respects the feelings of sorrow and grief that afflicted Muslims across the world due to this terrible attack, pointing out that the government of New Zealand has taken different procedures to protect Muslims and secure Mosques.
On his part, H.E. the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expressed his deep sorrow for this massacre that grieved all people of good conscience around the world. His Eminence commended the stances of the Prime Minister and the government of New Zealand on this terrorist attack, and the quick reaction to alleviate the pains of the victims and their families, in addition to the series of procedures taken to prevent other attacks.
The Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar’s readiness to support the Muslims of New Zealand through offering a number of scholarships for New Zealand students to study at Al-Azhar, confirming that Al-Azhar is also all ready to train Muslim Imams of New Zealand on how to face terrorist and radical thoughts and promote the culture of peace and coexistence.