Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb received Australian Ambassador to Cairo Axel Wabenhorst at Al-Azhar headquarters on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral co-operation and combat Islamophobia.
El-Tayeb expressed his appreciation for Australia’s position on the Palestinian issue, saying the world is witnessing growing turmoil and a weakening of international standards amid declining respect for international law and norms and rapidly shifting positions, according to Egypt’s Middle East News Agency (MENA).
He stressed the need for a fair solution to the Palestinian issue that guarantees Palestinians’ right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, free from political interests and agendas.
The Grand Imam also voiced concern over the growing prevalence of Islamophobia in the West. He urged the Australian ambassador to play an active role upon his return to Australia in promoting an accurate understanding of Islam and Muslims, drawing on his long experience in Egypt and close interaction with Muslim communities.
El-Tayeb stressed that direct dialogue and greater mutual understanding are among the most effective means of confronting stereotypes and promoting understanding between peoples and cultures.
For his part, Wabenhorst praised the Al-Azhar Grand Imam’s efforts to promote a culture of peace and coexistence. He also commended Al-Azhar’s care for around 75 Australian students studying at its educational institutions, expressing his country’s appreciation for the academic and humanitarian support they receive.
The Australian ambassador also praised Al-Azhar’s efforts to combat Islamophobia, stressing that the phenomenon is unjustified and that the Australian government attaches great importance to addressing it.
