His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Dr. Faisal bin Muaammar, Secretary-General of the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID). The Grand Imam stated that Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and other religious bodies and institutions involved in dialogue around the world face common challenges; and therefore there is a need to consolidate efforts to overcome these challenges. He added that Al-Azhar is ready to provide more support to the KAICIID in various cultural, academic and educational fields. He then made it clear that the world should realize that terrorism has nothing to do with Islam or the longstanding Islamic institutions; rather, it is a product of conflicts and agendas aimed at imputing such accusation to Islam, which rejects all forms of terrorism.

For his part, KAICIID Secretary-General said that Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif is the Arab-Islamic nation’s main house, and its Grand Imam is the leading figure of all Muslims. He added that the Grand Imam has a great weight in the West, given his experience in dealing with the West and with other cultures, and thanks to his great efforts to confront extremism and terrorism and his constant call for interfaith dialogue and for positive integration of Muslims in their Western societies. Dr. Bin Muaammar briefed His Eminence the Grand Imam on some of the KAICIID’s achievements and projects implemented in several world countries. He also expressed his thanks for Al-Azhar’s permanent support for the center to perform its tasks.