Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb met French President François Hollande in Paris on Tuesday to discuss public perceptions of Islam and ways to combat religious radicalization, state-run Ahram Online reports. With recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Europe in fresh memory, the two leaders agreed to establish official mechanisms of cooperation between Islamic institutions in France and Al-Azhar as a way to communicate an accurate version of Islam to the next generation of Islamic scholars, Al-Tayyeb said in media statements. The Grand Imam also condemned the recent terror attacks in France and Belgium. In a statement released by the Elysée palace, Hollande said that France welcomes the efforts made by Al-Azhar to fight against extremism, as well as the commitment on the part of Islamic leaders in France to prevent radicalization. The meeting was attended by the French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. The Grand Imam also attended a forum for eastern and western dialogue, where he held a speech stressing the importance of co-existence and cooperation between religions and cultures across the world. He also urged Muslims in Europe to seek greater integration…
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Discusses Radicalization, Anti-Extremism Measures with French President
May 25, 2016
