His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders, met in Berlin with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the presence of former President of the European Council Charles Michel. The meeting addressed several current global issues and challenges, as well as ways to promote peace and human fraternity and strengthen dialogue among civilizations and cultures.
During the meeting, Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace. She affirmed that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, possesses a long-term strategic vision and has contributed to establishing the UAE as a distinguished model of development, stability, and humanitarian work. She also emphasized the pivotal role played by Egypt in enhancing stability in the Middle East.
The former German Chancellor also expressed her deep appreciation for His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, describing him as an exceptional figure characterized by openness to others and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity. She highlighted his important role in promoting dialogue and understanding among peoples. She also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peaceful coexistence and combating hatred, as well as its dialogue initiatives and the Document on Human Fraternity, which she described as a global model for human coexistence.
Merkel also praised the role of the late Pope Francis in promoting peace and fostering closer relations among peoples and cultures. She also expressed her admiration for the papal message on artificial intelligence issued by Pope Leo XIV, noting the ethical and humanitarian insights it offers to help guide technological development in the service of humanity.
For his part, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam conveyed the greetings of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with his deep appreciation for Chancellor Merkel’s humanitarian positions—particularly her support for refugees and vulnerable groups—and for the inspiration she has provided to many leaders around the world.
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to promote the values of dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding, and to address the challenges that threaten global peace and stability. He stressed that the world needs wise and responsible voices with clarity of vision and the courage to take principled stands, contributing to a culture of peace and building bridges of trust among peoples.
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam presented Angela Merkel with a copy of his book “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path,”* while she presented him with a signed copy of her memoir “Freedom: Memories 1954–2021.” Both parties also affirmed the importance of continuing dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of perspectives on humanitarian and intellectual issues of mutual interest, in ways that contribute to strengthening the values of peace, understanding, and coexistence among peoples.