We appreciate the efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in spreading the true religion and instilling a culture of brotherhood and coexistence, Kazakh Ambassador to Egypt

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb received today, Wednesday, at Al-Azhar, Ambassador Askar Zhinis, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Egypt, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

His Eminence emphasized the depth of the relations between Al-Azhar and Kazakhstan, and the importance of the scholars of this region in serving the Islamic heritage. He pointed out that Al-Azhar is keen to strengthen relations with Kazakhstan by providing 25 scholarships annually to the people of Kazakhstan. Al-Azhar has 207 male and female students at its various grades of education.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to establish a regional office for Al-Azhar for teaching the Arabic language in Kazakhstan, to serve Muslim children in learning the language of the Quran. He also emphasized the need to intensify training courses for Kazakh imams at Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, which trains imams and preachers and hones their skills in dealing with various contemporary issues.

The Kazakh Ambassador, for his part, expressed his happiness at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and his country's appreciation for His Eminence's efforts in spreading the religion of Islam, and instilling a culture of brotherhood and coexistence, as well as Al-Azhar's efforts in embracing Kazakh students who come to study at its university and institutes. He conveyed the greetings of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, and his wishes for continued health and wellness to His Eminence the Grand Imam. He also conveyed a message of appreciation and love from Mr. Mäulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, for Al-Azhar's continuous and unlimited support for the “Conference of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions” held by Kazakhstan, which has made this conference a global platform for promoting interfaith dialogue.