UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday 12/7/2024 received Al Azhar Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Ahmed el Tayyeb, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between relevant entities in the UAE and both Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilized dialogue, and peace among various cultures and peoples worldwide based on the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, UAE's state news agency WAM reported. The Document on Human Fraternity was signed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi. The meeting also discussed the Muslim Council of Elders initiative titled Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia, which aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr Ahmed el Tayyeb exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest. The UAE president commended Al Azhar Grand Imam's significant efforts in spreading the message of understanding and human coexistence, as well as in fostering a culture of mutual respect. He also praised the pivotal role played by Al Azhar in presenting the true image of Islam and maintaining its benevolent and peaceful message. Meanwhile, Tayyeb praised the initiatives and charitable efforts of the UAE president in supporting regional and global peace and development in addition to his humanitarian approach, which focuses on human development and empowerment worldwide. Al Azhar Imam expressed his appreciation for the UAE's commitment to Islamic issues, in accordance with its historical support for its brothers, especially the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause at various levels. Tayyeb also highlighted Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts in promoting values of peace, coexistence , and human fraternity, combating hate speech and extremism, as well as supporting the role of religious scholars and leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges. Source: State Information Service Egypt