Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Marks Historic Visit To Thailand's House Of Representatives

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, welcomed Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The meeting took place at the Thai House of Representatives and was attended by the Thai Minister of Justice and several members of the House.

The Speaker highlighted his appreciation for the 70-year-old Egyptian-Thai relations, noting Al-Azhar's significant role in their development. He thanked Al-Azhar for its hospitality towards over 3,000 Thai students and for offering 160 annual scholarships to Thai Muslims. He also acknowledged Al-Azhar's efforts in training Thai imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imams and Preachers.

The Grand Imam expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and mutual relations between Egypt, particularly Al-Azhar, and Thailand. He was pleased to hear about the excellence of Al-Azhar graduates in Thailand and their positive contributions to society. The Grand Imam affirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to increase scholarships for Thai Muslims and establish a center for teaching Arabic to Thais.

The President of the Thai House of Representatives emphasised that this visit marks a historic milestone in the records of the Thai Parliament. He expressed pride and gratitude, noting that this is the first visit by a Sheikh of Al-Azhar to the Thai Parliament. He assured that he has been following the activities held by the Grand Imam in Thailand, confident that these events will strengthen cooperation between Al-Azhar and various cultural institutions in Thailand.

During their discussion, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha requested an increase in scholarships and emissaries from Al-Azhar to Thailand. He stressed their crucial role, especially in universities and secondary schools. He mentioned his own education at an Islamic University in Thailand where he studied Arabic under an Al-Azhar teacher.

Commitment to Cooperation

The Grand Imam announced an increase in the number of Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand from 15 to 21, responding to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha's request. He also pledged to intensify training courses for Thai imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy with a special program designed by senior scholars to suit Thai society's needs.

At the end of their meeting, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb presented Wan Muhamad Noor Matha with the Al-Azhar Shield and the Medal of the Muslim Council of Elders. These gifts commemorated the tenth anniversary of the council's establishment.

The Speaker praised Al-Azhar's efforts in promoting diversity, dialogue, respect, and acceptance which enhance mutual coexistence and human fraternity. He noted that most Al-Azhar graduates in Thailand hold prominent positions as senior scholars, imams, judges, teachers, and doctors.

This meeting signifies a step forward in strengthening educational ties between Egypt and Thailand through increased cooperation with Al-Azhar University.

With inputs from WAM