Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets Singapore’s President – Agree to Continue Pressing for an End to Aggression in Gaza
Grand Imam and Singapore’s President Discuss Conference on ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ to be Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders
His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi, to strengthen academic and advocacy cooperation.
During the meeting, His Eminence commended Singapore’s exemplary model of scientific and educational advancement, which he observed during his previous visit to the country. He also affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to training Singaporean imams, enhancing their skills in addressing contemporary issues, and establishing an Arabic language learning center in Singapore to serve its people in studying the language.
For his part, President Shanmugaratnam praised His Eminence’s efforts in promoting global peace and harmony. He stated, “I come to you today with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious delegation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration we hold for you, which words cannot fully convey.”
The Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam also discussed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the urgent need to advocate for an immediate and unconditional end to the aggression targeting innocent civilians. His Eminence declared, “We call on you and the world’s wise leaders to exert every effort to intervene and halt this aggression.” His Eminence also expressed appreciation for efforts toward recognizing the State of Palestine.
Furthermore, the Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam discussed Singapore’s participation in the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference, which will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with Al-Azhar. His Eminence remarked, “We have agreed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to hold the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference to showcase these nations as models of development and interfaith coexistence, and to share their pioneering experiences with the Muslim world. This will foster knowledge and expertise exchange, contributing to a comprehensive vision for the advancement of our Muslim world. We are fully confident that Singapore’s participation and support will ensure the conference’s success in fulfilling its mission and amplifying its message.”
President Shanmugaratnam welcomed Singapore’s participation and pledged his nation’s support to ensure the conference’s success.