The President of the Maldives invites the Grand Imam to visit the country.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister requests that the Grand Imam establish an Arabic language center in the Maldives, and the Grand Imam welcomes the request.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister adds: “Al-Azhar graduates enjoy a distinguished reputation in our country, and we have highly skilled Azharite physicians.”

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received today, Saturday, at Al-Azhar headquarters, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of dawah and education.

The Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar has strong historical ties with the Republic of Maldives, noting that Al-Azhar provides 22 scholarships annually for Maldivian students to study at Al-Azhar University, and that it has 49 male and female Maldivian students studying at various educational levels at Al-Azhar, in addition to 32 Azharite envoys present in the Maldives to spread the moderate approach of Al-Azhar.

He stressed Al-Azhar’s readiness to host Maldivian imams at Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, in order to hone their skills and provide them with the skills of the contemporary preacher. The trainees receive such training so that they may return afterward laden with Al-Azhar approach, spread peace, and participate in building the renaissance of their country.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister expressed his delight at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and his country's appreciation for the great efforts he is making in serving Islam and Muslims around the world. He stated, “I have come to you bearing messages of friendship and love from Mr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, and his wife, the First Lady, his invitation to Your Eminence to visit the country at a time that you see fit, and his wishes for your continued health and well-being.” He stresses his happiness at being in Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the oldest Islamic institution on earth, which has contributed to the social and scientific renaissance in most Islamic countries.

Dr. Abdulla Khaleel thanked the Grand Imam for caring for Maldivian students studying at Al-Azhar, noting that studying at Al-Azhar is a dream for all Maldivians. He emphasized that Al-Azhar graduates in the Maldives contribute to the development of their country, enjoy a good reputation, and occupy the highest religious and educational positions. Dr. Khaleel added, “We rely heavily on them to spread the values of tolerance and social peace. Some Maldivians have graduated from Al-Azhar University and are among the most skilled doctors in our country today.”

Dr. Khaleel affirmed his country’s endeavor to strengthen relations and expand cooperation with Al-Azhar by establishing a center for teaching Arabic in the Maldives, exchanging students, establishing a partnership with Islamic universities in the Maldives and Al-Azhar University, and coordinating scholarships offered by Al-Azhar to ensure maximum benefit from them. This was welcomed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who directed Al-Azhar leaders to form joint committees and begin studying all aspects of cooperation to implement it as soon as possible.