The Lebanese Prime Minister invites the Grand Imam to visit his country, confirms: A visit awaited by the Lebanese people of all sects.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb received Mr.  Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, at his residence in Dubai. The meeting was attended by Prof. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt.

The Grand Imam affirmed the depth of the historical and solid ties that bind Al-Azhar to the Lebanese people, and Al-Azhar's readiness to provide all forms of support to the Lebanese people, including training imams and preachers and increasing scholarships allocated to the Lebanese people. He prayed to Allah Almighty to bestow upon this country, which is dear to every Arab and Muslim, security, stability, progress, and prosperity.

The Grand Imam stressed the need for the Lebanese people to stand together and be vigilant against attempts to encroach on their sovereignty, and to exert efforts to preserve the unity of their territory. He noted that Lebanon today is in dire need of its wise and loyal people to unite the nation and thwart those who do not wish the country well.

The Lebanese Prime Minister expressed his happiness at meeting His Eminence, and his appreciation for his stances and the significant and influential role he plays in presenting the correct image of Islam, spreading the culture of peace, and consolidating the values of brotherhood. He stated, “We are proud of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, this towering Islamic institution, which has played a significant and important role in our country through its scholars, envoys, and Lebanese graduates, who have positively influenced the establishment of coexistence and diversity that characterize the Lebanese people.”

He extended an official invitation to His Eminence the Grand Imam to visit Lebanon, stressing that this visit has been eagerly awaited by all Lebanese, who hold the Grand Imam in high esteem. The Grand Imam welcomed the generous invitation and affirmed his intention to respond to it at the earliest possible opportunity.