Mauritanian president praises Al Azhar's role in spreading moderate Islam

NOUAKCHOTT - 19 March 2018: Mauritian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz hailed Monday the role of Al Azhar institution in spreading moderate Islam in the face of extremist thoughts.

The Mauritanian president was speaking during a meeting with Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayyeb at the presidential headquarters.

Abdel Aziz lauded Al Azhar's suggestion of establishing an Islamic center affiliated to the institution in Mauritania and forming a joint scientific committee, headed by Mauritanian Minister of Islamic Affairs and Traditional Education Ahmed Ould Ahl Dawood.

Meanwhile, Tayyeb hailed similarities between Al Azhar and the Mauritanian educational institutions and their role in spreading the values of moderation and countering terrorism. He also said that Al Azhar is ready to grant a number of scholarships for studying at its faculties.

Also, Mauritanian Prime Minister Yahya Ould Hademine received Al Azhar Grand Imam, as they discussed various current Islamic issues.

Hademine met with al Tayyeb, who is on a visit to Mauritania, where the pair also reviewed the role of Al Azhar in the Islamic world in spreading tolerance of Islam.

The Grand Imam also met with members of the Egyptian community in Mauritania, who voiced their happiness with al Tayyeb's visit and praised Al Azhar's efforts to convey the message of Islam.