His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of State for Tolerance and his accompanying delegation during their visit to Cairo. 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Grand Imam praised the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, for hosting the Global Conference on Human Fraternity, and for the outstanding planning that contributed to its success and presenting it to the world as one of the most important measures for human peace. He added that the conference reflects the pivotal role of the UAE and its wise leadership in disseminating a culture of tolerance, and supporting dialogue and coexistence among followers of religions all over the world. The Grand Imam explained that the Vatican, under the leadership of peace-loving Pope Francis, and his reaction to the global efforts of Al-Azhar, represents a real opportunity for human peace. He praised the efforts of the UAE Ministry of Tolerance in promoting and consolidating the values of tolerance and coexistence.

The UAE Minister of Tolerance expressed the appreciation of the UAE's leadership, government and people for the Grand Imam‘s tireless efforts to foster the values of peace and dialogue between different civilizations and cultures.  He stressed that His Eminence’s efforts in support of Islam and humanity constitute a basic pillar for all advocates of peace, coexistence and dialogue in the world.

Sheikh Al Nahyan confirmed that the Human Fraternity Award was honored by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness the Pope of the Vatican because of their historical stances that undoubtedly affected the dissemination of a culture of peace and tolerance among people. He indicated that His Eminence’s speech at the conference on Human Fraternity is a luminous sign in the history of world peace, praising the strong messages contained in the speech, which contribute to the consolidation of the values and the culture of coexistence, acceptance of the other, achieving human brotherhood, and promoting solidarity among human beings.

At the end of the meeting, the UAE Minister of Tolerance handed the Grand Imam the Shield of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity from Zayed House, which the UAE granted both to His Eminence and to His Holiness the Pope of the Vatican.