His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Mr. Peter Feldmann, Mayor of Frankfurt, and the accompanying delegation, during their visit to Cairo. The Grand Imam stated that the world is suffering a major crisis because of the global policies that advance mundane interests at the expense of the poor, the sick and orphans, who alone pay the heavy price of global wars and conflicts. He stressed that the lack of respect for divine ordinances is the cause of widespread conflicts, given that religions in their teachings carry peace for all human beings. The Grand Imam added that Al-Azhar believes that first genuine step to bring peace is to establish it among the followers of religions first. He then explained that Al-Azhar worked on achieving this goal through establishing the Egyptian Family House, which brings together as members affiliates of Al-Azhar and all the Egyptian churches, with the purpose of addressing common challenges facing the Egyptians. According to the Grand Imam, Al-Azhar also seeks to consolidate its relations with major international religious institutions, like the Vatican, the Canterbury Cathedral and the World Council of Churches. Moreover, he noted, Al-Azhar seeks to promote dialogue among youth in the Arab-Islamic world and in the West.

For his part, Mr. Feldmann expressed his country's aspiration for further cooperation with Al-Azhar, noting that its moderate approach and discourse is the only solution to the challenges and problems faced by Muslims in the West. He added that the vision and speeches of the Grand Imam had a great impact on thousands in Germany and Europe.