Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received at the headquarters of Al-Azhar, Ambassador Mustafa Al-Qouni, the new Egyptian Ambassador to Thailand in order to discuss ways to enhance scientific and cultural relations between Al-Azhar and Thailand.

The Grand Imam pointed out that the Muslims in Thailand provide a model for the integration of Muslims into non-Muslim societies in peaceful coexistence with the others, stressing that the Thai Embassy in Cairo is among the embassies most cooperative with Al-Azhar, and that they are always keen to build up bridges of cooperation between Al-Azhar and Thailand.

The Grand Imam explained that Al-Azhar pays great attention to international students, as 128 free scholarships have been allocated to Thai students to receive Al-Azhar’s moderate disciplines, which would contribute to promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence and tolerance with the others among Thai people. He added that the number of Al-Azhar’s envoys to Thailand has reached 17, practicing missionary activities and promoting the moderate teachings of Islam in Thailand.

Ambassador Mustafa Al-Qoni, for his part, affirmed his pride in meeting the Grand Imam, and His Eminence’s great efforts to spread the tolerance and moderation of Islam, and that he will work to strengthen Al-Azhar’s academic, cultural and missionary relations with Thailand, during his tenure at the Egyptian Embassy in Bangkok. During his previous tenure, he realized the global stature of Al-Azhar and the international appreciation it enjoys, being one of the tools for strengthening relations with countries.