The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Thomas Oppermann, Vice-President of the Bundestag and his accompanying delegation during their visit to Cairo.

The Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar is making great efforts to disseminate the values of peace and common coexistence among the followers of religions in different parts of the world on the basis of citizenship and equal rights and duties. He pointed out that Al-Azhar always demands European Muslims to be well aware that they are genuine citizens of their societies, and that full citizenship never contradicts an integration that respects local laws and preserves religious identity.

He added that Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif believes in the importance of dialogue between the adherents of religions, always seeking to consolidate it inside and outside Egypt. He explained that Al-Azhar worked on this by establishing the Egyptian Family House, whose membership includes Al-Azhar and all Egyptian churches to address the common challenges facing the Egyptians. Al-Azhar also worked on consolidating its relations with the major global religious institutions such as the Vatican, Canterbury Cathedral and the World Council of Churches, the case which contributes to promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence.

Mr. Oppermann, for his part, expressed his appreciation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar's vision of peace, communication and coexistence with different religions and civilizations. Therefore, the Bundestag is keen to learn about its vision on important issues and problems such as religious freedom, and the integration of Muslim immigrants into the German society, praising His Eminence's efforts to promote peace and confront terrorism.