Latest news with #AlAzhar
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Top Pakistani general meets Egyptian president, leadership to discuss military, counterterrorism cooperation
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani top general met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the country's senior civil and defense leadership on Thursday to discuss regional situation, military and counterterrorism cooperation, the Pakistani military's media wing said. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, who is Pakistan's chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC), is in Egypt for the third round of defense and security talks between the two countries. During the visit, he met senior Egyptian officials such as El-Sisi, General Abdel Mageed Ahmed Abdel Mageed Saqr, minister of defense and military production and commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Admiral Osama Mounier Mohamed Rabie. He also met the chairman and managing director of the Suez Canal Authority, as well as Professor Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the grand imam of the Al-Azhar institute, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing, said. 'Discussions focused on bilateral military cooperation, security, counterterrorism and prevailing regional situation,' the ISPR said. 'Dignitaries from both sides emphasized upon the shared interest in further strengthening and expanding existing military-to-military relationship in the domains of training, joint military exercises and defense cooperation.' Speaking to El-Tayeb, Mirza highlighted the importance of religious and inter-faith harmony to promote tolerance, inclusivity and address the underlying causes of 'terrorism,' the military's media wing said. 'Egyptian dignitaries lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism,' the ISPR said. Mirza was presented a guard of honor by an Egyptian Armed Forces contingent upon his arrival at the Ministry of Defense, the military's media wing said. Pakistan and Egypt have cordial ties and both countries have resolved in recent years to facilitate businessmen with visas, exchange trade-related information and promote private-sector contacts. Earlier this month, senior officials of Pakistan and Egypt discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security and farming, with Islamabad expressing interest in learning from Cairo's successful experiences in these areas.
Gulf Today
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Muslim Council of Elders condemns, rejects Israeli plans to control Ibrahimi Mosque
The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, strongly condemns the Israeli occupation's plans to transfer administrative control of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and the Hebron Municipality to the Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba Settlement. The Council unequivocally rejects such provocative actions, which undermine efforts to achieve stability and constitute a grave violation of the historical and legal status of the Ibrahimi Mosque. It urges respect for the established status of holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Muslim Council of Elders renews calls to the international community to uphold and protect sacred sites by preserving their religious and historical significance, and urgently address the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for over seven decades. The Council further demands an immediate end to the aggression in the Gaza Strip, the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, and the recognition of the Palestinian people's legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. WAM
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Education sector in Egypt secures $40mln via securitised bonds: FRA official
Egypt - Islam Azzam, Deputy Chairperson of Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), announced that the education sector has secured EGP 2bn through three securitisation issuances, marking a significant step in the development of non-banking financial tools to support education in Egypt. Speaking at the 4th Annual Education Investment Summit, Azzam outlined the FRA's expanding toolkit to attract investment in education and enhance its long-term sustainability. He pointed in particular to the growing use of future cash flow securitisation, which allows educational institutions to monetise projected revenues—providing crucial liquidity for infrastructure development and service expansion. 'Between 2022 and 2024, we've seen meaningful progress in securitisation, with education playing a leading role,' Azzam said. 'This mechanism allows institutions to diversify funding sources, reduce capital costs, and accelerate the construction of new schools—contributing directly to improved education outcomes.' Azzam also highlighted the strategic role of insurance in protecting both human capital and infrastructure in the education system. Coverage is already provided to students at all educational levels through the state-run insurance fund, including Al-Azhar institutions. This coverage includes protection against accidental or natural death, injury, and disability. The FRA is also working to expand education-specific insurance products, including policies that allow families to continue paying tuition in the event of a parent's death or disability. Plans are underway to broaden health insurance for students and provide comprehensive risk coverage for schools and universities. In addition, Azzam discussed efforts to align academic training with job market needs—especially in the insurance and finance sectors. A notable initiative involves collaboration between the Insurance Federation of Egypt and local universities to develop actuarial education programmes, sponsored by the FRA. He stressed that capital markets offer a variety of funding tools, including sukuk and securitisation bonds, even for companies not publicly listed. Recent changes to accounting standards now allow institutions to revalue assets based on market price, opening further financing avenues. Other non-banking solutions include lease finance, which is being used to secure buildings, equipment, and transportation services with flexible repayment terms ranging from three to five years. Meanwhile, consumer finance products are helping students and families manage the costs of tuition, school supplies, books, and even postgraduate and professional education. 'These tools are essential for expanding access and embedding a culture of lifelong learning,' Azzam noted. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Arab League chief warns of rising religious intolerance in Cairo forum address
LONDON: Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the Arab League, called for wider efforts to combat Islamophobia during a speech at the International Conference on Combating Hatred against Islam in Cairo on Tuesday. Aboul Gheit said that Islamophobia is a dangerous and growing issue that undermines the values of coexistence and mutual respect, the Kuwait News Agency reported. He said that its root causes lie in incitement, a lack of understanding of Islamic values, and the false association of Islam with terrorism. The Arab League chief also said that biased media coverage, which amplifies errors and promotes negative stereotypes, fuels extremist discourse and divides communities. Aboul Gheit highlighted the role of traditional and digital media in fostering tolerance and diversity, and called for a comprehensive response involving governments, international organizations, and civil society, the KUNA added. He highlighted the Arab League's earlier resolutions condemning religious intolerance. The conference in Cairo brought together representatives from the Arab League; Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Al-Azhar; Christian institutions; and numerous Arab states to discuss strategies for promoting dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
Egypt Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Tunisia discuss boosting religious cooperation
Egyptian (R) and Tunisian (L) flags - file CAIRO - 14 June 2025: Egypt's Ambassador to Tunisia Bassem Hassan had a meeting with Tunisia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud to explore ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of religious edicts (fatwas), imam training, and exchange of scholarships in Islamic studies. The meeting underlined the depth of ties between Egypt and Tunisia, particularly the strong scholarly ties between Al Azhar University in Cairo and Ez-Zitouna University in Tunis. These ties were notably exemplified by the historic appointment of the esteemed Tunisian scholar Sheikh El-Khadr Hussein as Grand Imam of Al Azhar in 1952. Ambassador Hassan stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two leading Islamic institutions, recognizing them as beacons of moderate thought essential to fighting extremist and destructive ideologies. He also expressed Egypt's anticipation of hosting Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud in Cairo in August to take part in an international conference organized by Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, titled "The Making of a Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." The diplomat highlighted Egypt's continued support for the Palestinian cause, adding the Egyptian and Tunisian leaderships shared an identical vision on ending the aggression in Gaza and reaffirming their commitment to consolidating bilateral cooperation in all sectors. For his part, the Tunisian Grand Mufti voiced his deep appreciation for the strong ties with Egypt, commending Egypt's sincere efforts in defending the interests of the Islamic nation. He also called for enhancing the longstanding academic and historical ties between Ez-Zitouna and Al Azhar.
