The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Dr. Rustam Kasimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan. The Grand Imam and Dr. Kasimov witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between Al-Azhar and the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.

The Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif believes that education is the basis for the progress of nations because education is the main factor in building a human being who is scientifically and intellectually capable of participating in building society and achieving its advancement. HE indicated that the Islamic scientific heritage on which Al-Azhar curricula are based presented to the world the greatest civilization known to humanity based on science, freedom of opinion and acceptance of difference.

His Eminence added that the protocol signed today stems from Al-Azhar's keenness to promote cooperation with Islamic institutions in Uzbekistan, explaining that Uzbekistan is one of the landmarks of Islamic civilization, as it has given birth to many great imams and scholars who have played a major role in preserving Islamic heritage.

Dr. Kasimov, for his part, expressed his country's deep appreciation of Al-Azhar and the efforts of the Grand Imam and his global moves to promote the moderate approach of this great Islamic institution. He stressed his country's keenness to benefit from Al-Azhar's scientific and advocacy efforts to serve the Muslims of Uzbekistan and disseminate the true message of Islam.

At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Salih Abbas, Acting Undersecretary of Al-Azhar, and Sheikh Othman Khan Alimov, Mufti of Uzbekistan, signed a protocol of cooperation between Al-Azhar and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. The aim of the protocol is to strengthen aspects of academic and cultural cooperation between the two sides, benefit from Al-Azhar’s expertise in the field of training imams and preachers, and increase the number of scholarships for Uzbek students to study at Al-Azhar.

At the end of the visit, the Uzbek delegation visited Al-Azhar Fatwa Global Center to learn about the role it plays in combating extremism, to refute the fallacies and ideas presented by extremist groups, and to clarify the truth of Islam and its tolerant teachings.