Paraguay President Santiago Peña Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque To Promote Cultural Exchange
President Santiago Peña of Paraguay recently toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. He was joined by Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Paraguay's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Saghira Wabran Hamad Mubarak Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to Paraguay, Carolin Konther Lopez, Paraguay's Ambassador to the UAE, and other officials. Dr. Yousef Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the mosque centre, guided them through the mosque's halls and corridors.
The visit commenced with a respectful pause at the mausoleum of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. President Peña and his delegation paid homage to the UAE’s Founding Father. They reflected on his legacy that promotes tolerance and peace globally. The group learned about the mosque's cultural message, which is rooted in coexistence and openness, inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values.

The delegation received insights into the mosque’s history and its architectural marvels. They admired the intricate Islamic art that decorates every part of the mosque. The unique collections showcased there represent Islamic civilisation's finest examples. The diverse artistic designs blend harmoniously, creating a masterpiece symbolising cultural unity.
During their visit, they were informed about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting Islamic culture worldwide. The centre also enhances cross-cultural communication, fostering understanding among different cultures.
On this occasion, President Peña expressed his feelings: "I am deeply honoured to participate and be here. It is a spiritual occasion for us, to build bridges between our cultures and peoples." His words highlighted the importance of such visits in strengthening international relations through cultural exchange.
As a token of appreciation for his visit, President Peña received a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." This book is a recent publication from the Centre. It showcases the mosque’s architectural style through award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Award.
The book offers readers a visual journey into the mosque's grandeur. It highlights its unique architectural features and artistic splendour. This gift serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between Paraguay and the UAE fostered during this visit.
With inputs from WAM