Cairo: Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Al-Azhar Sheikhdom, where the president extended an invitation for the Grand Imam to assist in reopening the Al-Azhar Institute in Beirut, which had been closed due to Lebanon's recent challenges.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Grand Imam expressed his willingness to visit Lebanon soon and confirmed Al-Azhar's commitment to support the institute's reopening. He pledged to supply the institute with Al-Azhar's distinguished envoys along with its well-regarded curricula and publications. The discussion emphasized enhancing collaboration and tackling the urgent issues in the region, as stated by the Sheikhdom of Al Azhar.

The Grand Imam expressed his deep connection with Lebanon, recognizing its importance to Arabs and Muslims. He acknowledged the country's current difficulties and expressed hope for Lebanese unity and peace. He commended Lebanon's diverse society and its strong inter-sect cohesion.

President Aoun thanked the Grand Imam for the warm reception, marking this as his first official visit to Al-Azhar. He acknowledged Al Azhar's contributions to humanity and its role in combating extremism. Aoun emphasized Al-Azhar's support for Lebanese students during these challenging times, noting the institution's ongoing generosity.

The talks also covered the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity, an initiative led by the Grand Imam and the late Pope Francis. The Grand Imam highlighted Al-Azhar's active involvement with global religious and cultural entities and its influential documents promoting citizenship and rejecting divisive language like "minorities."

President Aoun's visit to Cairo, at the invitation of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, included discussions on Lebanon's reconstruction efforts, with Egypt offering its expertise. Aoun was accompanied by Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat and Lebanon's Ambassador to Cairo, Ali Halabi.