Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and his accompanying delegation at the headquarters of Al-Azhar to discuss academic and cultural cooperation between Al-Azhar and Hungary, and the efforts of Al-Azhar and Hungary to promote tolerance and moderation, and to combat intolerance and racism.

At the beginning of his talk, the Hungarian Foreign Minister affirmed that Hungary is following the great efforts made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to advance dialogue and coexistence between followers of different religions and to build up bridges of cooperation and interdependence between people of different cultures and beliefs. He said he was pleased to start his visit to Egypt with Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. He added that Hungary also appreciates the great efforts made by His Eminence to establish world peace and enhance the culture of coexistence among the followers of religions throughout the world.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister added that his country's government is keen on enabling the Muslims, the Christians and all Hungarian citizens to live side by side, and reject all forms of intolerance, especially religious intolerance. He emphasized to His Eminence that the Hungarian government and people appreciate the concerted efforts made in cooperation with the Pope of the Vatican, which culminated in the cosigning of the Human Fraternity Document in order to establish peace among the nations.

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation of the visit of the Hungarian Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation to Al-Azhar, pointing out that Mr. Szijjarto’s speech is consistent with Al-Azhar’s philosophy and efforts to establish the principle of peaceful coexistence among the people of different religions and cultures. He stressed that Al-Azhar students are educated in a culture that respects difference and diversity and encourages respect for the other since they join Al-Azhar until they graduate from university.

His Eminence stressed that Al-Azhar has gone a long way in enhancing the correct message of Islam and combating extremist thought; it has established Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Al-Azhar Fatwa Global Center, and the Egyptian Family House. Moreover, Al-Azhar held many conferences and seminars that consolidate the values of citizenship and peace and eliminate the term minorities. Al-Azhar’s activities are usually attended by prominent international scholars and famous figures of various religions. Al-Azhar took the initiative to go to Canterbury Cathedral, the Vatican, and the World Council of Churches, a measure which led to a prominent global event, i.e. cosigning the Human Fraternity Document. This document started from the premise that religions have nothing to do with wars and conflicts, but are rather used as a cover for purposes not acceptable by religion itself, and that technical and scientific progress must be exploited in the service of humanity, especially the poor.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar is ready to allocate scholarships to receive Muslim students from Hungary to study at Al-Azhar, and to give benefit to Hungary from the Imams and Preachers Training Program that Al-Azhar has established, from which many countries, especially European ones, have benefited. The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed this step, and said that coordination will take place in the coming period to push this cooperation forward. He added, “Thank you very much, Your Eminence, for this opportunity, and for what you have done. Everything I heard gives me complete conviction that you are making great efforts. This visit has increased our respect for your personality and the institution you lead; and thanks again for the opportunities you provided. We wish you continued health and wellness, and that your efforts always be crowned with success.”