His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb received His Excellency Kuncoro Giri Waseso, the Indonesian Ambassador to Cairo, today, Tuesday, at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif headquarters, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation. The Grand Imam emphasized the strong historical ties between Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Indonesia, noting the significant role played by Indonesian students studying at Al-Azhar in strengthening and developing these relations. He pointed out that the number of Indonesian students at Al-Azhar has exceeded 20,000 across various educational levels, ranging from kindergarten to postgraduate studies.

 

 

 

The Indonesian Ambassador, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam, affirming his country’s appreciation for his stature and his role in disseminating the true image of Islam. He thanked His Eminence for the care and attention shown to Indonesian students at Al-Azhar, noting that studying there is a dream for Indonesian families—who eagerly await the opportunity to send one of their children to enroll at the institution—and highlighting that Al-Azhar graduates in his country hold high-ranking positions across various institutions and ministries, enjoying a prestigious standing among their peers.

 

The Indonesian Ambassador also expressed his country’s appreciation for the decision by the Grand Imam to establish a Department of Indonesian Language and Literature at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Languages and Translation—where classes began a year ago. He emphasized that this move reflects Al-Azhar’s commitment to strengthening bridges of communication and cultural and academic cooperation with Indonesia and affirmed his country’s desire to enhance cooperation with Al-Azhar across religious and educational spheres, while benefiting from its extensive expertise in this regard.