On March 21, 2023, Deputy Chairman of the FC Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" Farit Mukhametshin met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Sheikh Al-Azhar al-Sharif at his residence in Cairo, Egypt.
During the meeting, the Grand Imam received a personal invitation from Chairman of the GSV "Russia - Islamic World", Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov to participate in a special meeting of the Group, to be held May 19, 2023, in Kazan entitled "Russia - Islamic World: traditional spiritual and moral values as a basis for interfaith cooperation".
The Grand Imam noted the importance of the chosen topic to be discussed at the meeting of the Group, namely spiritual and moral values, including the institution of the traditional family and the rights of the child. He stated that "we very much appreciate and value Russia's position on this issue, radically different from the 'Western values' imposed on the world, to which the Islamic world is also opposed." And this is one of the most important topics to discuss, Russia and the Islamic world should develop cooperation in promoting a joint position. The Grand Imam emphasized that "preserving spiritual and moral values and the institution of the traditional family voiced by Russia is considered Al-Azhar's priority."
Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb said that he welcomed the decision of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic world" to hold a meeting with such an agenda and gratefully accepted the invitation, which would be carefully considered.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Arab Republic of Egypt Georgy Borisenko, President of Al-Azhar University Dr. Salama Daoud, as well as representatives of the Egyptian MFA.
Press Service of the International relations office
of the GSV "Russia - Islamic World"