The Grand Imam of al-Azhar received Mr. Mo’men Hassan Berry, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of Djibouti, to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing educational and religious outreach initiatives for the people of Djibouti.
His Eminence the Grand Imam stated that Al-Azhar takes pride in its historical relationships with Djibouti, exerting every effort to support its people. His Eminence pointed out that Al-Azhar hosts 242 male and female Djibouti students studying at various educational levels. Furthermore, Al-Azhar extends its services to the Djiboutian community via the Al-Azhar Center for Moderation, alongside dispatching nine of its senior scholars to Djibouti to disseminate the Al-Azhar curricula of religious and Arabic sciences. Besides, Al-Azhar provides avenues for the training of preachers at the Al-Azhar International Academy to equip them with contemporary methodologies of Da’wah work.
In response, the Minister of Endowments of Djibouti emphasized that the Djibouti people hold Al-Azhar and its scholars in high esteem, adding that Djibouti is deeply keen to strengthen Al-Azhar’s presence in the country to leverage its enduring expertise in Arabic studies. He also conveyed the greetings of Djibouti's President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, along with his best wishes for His Eminence's health and well-being. The Minister extended an invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Djibouti and meet the Djiboutian people who harbor a deep affection for Al-Azhar, as well as for its esteemed Sheikh and scholars.