Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the Supreme Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad Al-Talib.
The Prime Minister emphasized the existing religious tolerance in Egypt and insisted on a warm attitude towards the local Armenian community. Nikol Pashinyan noted with regret that sometimes an attempt is made to use religion for political purposes, adding that one of the reasons for this is that people sometimes do not have such good ideas about religions. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of governments. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the long history of the Armenian people’s communication with Islam and the fact that thousands of Armenians found refuge in Islamic countries.
Nikol Pashinyan presented to the Supreme Imam of Al-Azhar a copy of the first surah of the Qur’an, kept in the Matenadaran since 1719.
The Supreme Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad Al-Talib, thanked for the valuable gift and emphasized the importance of strengthening tolerance and peace through religion. Ahmed Muhammad Al-Talib expressed willingness to organize an exhibition of Arabic manuscripts kept in Matenadaran, adding that similar events also contribute to establishing and strengthening peaceful coexistence between societies.
The interlocutors expressed confidence that the RA Prime Minister’s visit will contribute to the strengthening and progress of Armenia-Egypt ties, including in religious education and culture.
