Cairo: Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed el Tayyeb received on Thursday, 3 September 2026, Minister of Awqaf Osama el Azhari, accompanied by a delegation from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The delegation is led by CBCP President Bishop Gilbert Garcera and Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Charmaine Aviquivil.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the Egyptian-Philippine program for religious leaders on dialogue, coexistence and peacebuilding, titled 'The Egyptian Experience in Peaceful Coexistence and Building an Inclusive Society.' Tayyeb described the meeting as a form of sincere and calm dialogue between Muslims and Christians and recalled his many memories with the late Pope Francis, affirming that Francis was a man of peace par excellence.

Tayyeb emphasized his collaboration with Pope Francis in bringing the Document on Human Fraternity to the world, promoting peace, fraternity, and coexistence among all people irrespective of their color, race, or faith. He underscored that Islam is a religion of coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance, citing historical examples and Islamic law that supports interfaith harmony and family unity.

The Grand Imam also highlighted the Egyptian Family House, an institution jointly headed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Coptic Orthodox Pope, which works to strengthen national fraternity by eliminating sectarian strife and promoting dialogue, fraternity, and coexistence.

Awqaf Minister Osama el Azhari reviewed the activities of the Egyptian-Philippine program, emphasizing its role in building bridges of dialogue and fostering safe and stable societies. He noted that the program is a significant step toward strengthening fraternity and providing an opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of experience.

Bishop Gilbert A. Garcera expressed his happiness at meeting the Grand Imam, describing it as a 'dialogue of memories' between Muslims and Christians. He highlighted the shared values of coexistence and fraternity demonstrated by the Grand Imam and the late Pope Francis and the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity in establishing a global framework for peace and interfaith cooperation. Bishop Garcera emphasized that these principles could guide the promotion of coexistence and fraternity in the face of global challenges.