PM of Italy praises Egypt’s efforts in spreading peace

CAIRO – 9 November 2017: Egyptian ambassador to Italy Hisham Badr said on Thursday that Prime Minister of Italy, Paolo Gentiloni Silveri, praised Egypt as a role model of coexistence between religions and for its role in spreading the peace culture among nations.

Badr’s comments came during his meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb, at the Prime Minister's Office in Rome.

Silveri expressed his appreciation for the role played by Tayyeb in combating radicalization and spreading the true culture of Islam among other nations. His comments came in reference to Egypt’s efforts in holding dialogues between different religions and cultures.

He conveyed his greetings to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, stressing that Italy is interested also in strengthening the cooperation with Egypt in different fields.

He concluded that Tayeb’s visit has its importance in the international efforts that aim to fight terrorism and eradicate radicalization and Islamophobia.

Tayyeb asserted Egypt’s readiness to support Italy in combating terrorism by offering corrections for extremist and false ideologies in different languages.

During the meeting with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers headquarter in Rome; Tayyeb discussed means of coordinating efforts between Al-Azhar and Italy to spread the culture of coexistence and peace and to denounce violence and islamophobia.

Tayyeb clarified that Egypt sacrifices its army personnel for the sake of fighting extremism, highlighting Al-Azhar’s strong determination to uproot it.

On November 7, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar held a meeting with Pope Francis of the Vatican at the papal headquarters in the Vatican.

A statement issued by Al-Azhar said the meeting dealt with common issues between Al-Azhar and the Vatican for supporting international peace.

The meeting marked the second trip to the Vatican in two years by Egypt's top Muslim leader. His first meeting with the pope in May 2016 marked a crucial step forward after five years of suspended dialogue between the Vatican and Al-Azhar.