King Of Thailand Lauds Al-Azhar's Role In Promoting Global Peace And Dialogue

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, accompanied by Queen Suthida, welcomed Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The King expressed his pleasure with the visit and praised Al-Azhar's efforts in fostering dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The King highlighted the respect Al-Azhar holds among Thai people who live harmoniously. He showed eagerness to enhance cooperation by increasing student exchanges and emissaries from Al-Azhar. Additionally, he discussed expanding accreditation for religious institutes teaching the Al-Azhar curriculum and coordinating with Islamic centres in Thailand.

His Majesty noted that many Muslim families in Thailand are keen to send their children to study at Al-Azhar. Graduates from this institution hold significant positions in Thai society. He expressed confidence that the Grand Imam's visit would lead to inspiring initiatives and projects benefiting Thai Muslims through public meetings held by Al-Azhar institutions.

The Grand Imam expressed his happiness with his visit to Thailand and appreciated the warm welcome received. He affirmed that Thai students at Al-Azhar exemplify ethics and diligence in their studies and have made notable contributions across various faculties of Al-Azhar University.

He emphasised that Al-Azhar not only graduates students but also maintains communication with its alumni worldwide. This makes them ambassadors of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

Future Collaborations

The Grand Imam confirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to establish Arabic language centres in Thailand to help Muslims learn the language of the Quran. He also mentioned intensifying training courses for Thai imams at Al-Azhar Academy and increasing scholarships for Thai Muslims to continue their studies at Al-Azhar.

Additionally, he spoke about increasing the number of emissaries to meet the needs of the Thai community. The Grand Imam further expressed willingness to organise a global conference on coexistence in Thailand with participation from various religious leaders worldwide.

This conference aims to emphasise promoting peaceful coexistence and human fraternity. His Majesty's emphasis on cooperation reflects a commitment to strengthening ties between Thailand and Al-Azhar for mutual benefit.

With inputs from WAM