His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received H.E. Atallah Hanna, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox, during the latter’s visit to Cairo. The Grand Imam stated that all religions call for peace and deepen spirit of love and affection among people, and that “we spare no effort in working to promote the values of peace and consolidate our relationship with all religions.” He also pointed out that Al-Azhar is aware of the dimensions of the Palestinian cause, supporting it and caring for all its details.

For his part, Archbishop Atallah Hanna expressed his appreciation for Al-Azhar’s role in disseminating the values of peace and the culture of dialogue and tolerance among all people. He also noted that the Grand Imam is a symbol of coexistence, hailing his speech at the Al-Azhar World Peace Conference as historic for its sincerity. The Greek Orthodox Archbishop explained that confronting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and hues requires religious, political and cultural initiatives, given that everyone should contribute to thwarting the schemes of this brutal terrorism. Yet, added Archbishop Hanna, it is more important that we be united.