Lebanese President invites Grand Imam to reopen Azhar Institute in Beirut
Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on May 19, at Al-Azhar Sheikhdom- press photo
CAIRO – 19 May 2025: Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on Monday, at Al-Azhar Sheikhdom as the latter invited the Grand Imam to reopen the Al-Azhar Institute, which had suspended operations due to Lebanon's recent hardships.
The Grand Imam welcomed the invitation and affirmed his intention to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity. He also expressed Al-Azhar's readiness to support the reopening of the institute in Beirut, pledging to provide it with distinguished Al-Azhar envoys and the institution's renowned curricula and publications.
The meeting focused on strengthening joint cooperation and addressing the pressing challenges facing the region, said the Sheikhdom of Al Azhar in a statement.
The Grand Imam said that Lebanon holds a special place in the hearts of all Arabs and Muslims, adding 'We follow its news closely and deeply understand the difficult circumstances you are facing. We pray to God to grant you success in uniting the Lebanese people, liberating Lebanese land, and preserving the unity of your country."
He also praised Lebanon's unique diversity, its inclusive society, and the strong cohesion among its various sects.
For his part, President Aoun expressed his gratitude for the Grand Imam's warm welcome and highlighted the significance of this first official visit to Al-Azhar.
Aoun praised Al Azhar's enlightened vision and efforts to serve humanity and combat extremism.
'We are especially thankful for your support of Lebanese students during these difficult times and for Al-Azhar's continued openness in welcoming them to pursue their studies. This generosity is not new to Al-Azhar, which has long stood as a beacon of knowledge for all Lebanese," Aoun said.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by the Grand Imam and late Pope Francis.
The Grand Imam spoke about Al-Azhar's proactive steps in engaging with global religious and cultural institutions, as well as a series of influential documents issued by Al-Azhar that have played a vital role in promoting the principle of full citizenship and rejecting divisive terms such as "minorities."
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Cairo on Monday for a one-day visit per an invitation from Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.
President Aoun was accompanied by Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, Lebanon's Ambassador to Cairo Ali Halabi along with the guard of honor.
President Sisi and President Aoun discussed Lebanon's reconstruction efforts by leveraging Egypt's pioneering expertise in this area.
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