His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb received today, Thursday, at Al-Azhar headquarters, H.E. Mr. Samba Alhamdobaby, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to Egypt.

The Grand Imam affirmed the depth of the relations that bind Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to the Republic of Mali, noting that Al-Azhar hosts 369 Malian students studying in its various educational stages. In addition, 14 envoys from Al-Azhar are currently working in Malian institutes to spread the correct moderate Azharite curriculum.

His Eminence indicated Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase the number of scholarships allocated to the sons of Mali, in order to meet the needs of the Malian community. He also emphasized Al-Azhar’s welcome to host imams from Mali to receive training at Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. The academy uses well-structured curricula prepared by Al-Azhar to combat extremism, refute the ideas of extremist groups, and refine the skills of imams in dealing with contemporary issues, especially those related to responding to doubts raised about issues of coexistence, acceptance of others, and the status of women in Islam.

The Malian Ambassador expressed his happiness at meeting the Grand Imam, and his country’s appreciation for the great efforts made by His Eminence in serving Islam and Muslims. His Excellency appreciated the support and care that Al-Azhar gives to foreign students, especially Malian students.

Alhamdobaby noted that his country places great importance on its graduates from Al-Azhar to promote social peace and combat extremism. He emphasized that Al-Azhar graduates in Mali enjoy a distinguished position, qualifying them to assume the highest leadership roles in the country.