Dr. Ma'ruf Amin, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

Dr. Ma'ruf Amin emphasised the importance of His Eminence's visit due to the deep affection and respect the Indonesian people have for him. He highlighted that Al-Azhar is highly trusted by Indonesians as their primary religious and scholarly reference, playing a crucial role in shaping the relationship between Egypt and Indonesia.

He noted Indonesia's intention to elevate its academic relations with Al-Azhar by establishing an office for education development for incoming students in Indonesia to prepare them before they commence their studies at Al-Azhar University, considering these students as the future scholars and leaders of their communities.

The Vice President of Indonesia also expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in coordinating cooperation between the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, Al-Azhar’s charitable arm, and the Indonesian Zakat and Charity Authority, particularly in organising humanitarian aid convoys to Gaza.

He reaffirmed Indonesia's support for the rights of the Palestinian people, as demonstrated by Indonesia's advocacy against the oppression, displacement, and violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza at various international forums.

Dr. Ma'ruf Amin emphasised the need for continued collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to accurately present Islam globally, especially in an era where Islam is falsely accused of promoting violence and extremism. He stressed the importance of clarifying Islam's moderation and compassion and addressing the false allegations against it to Western youth, pointing out the rising threat of Islamophobia in Western countries and its impact on the security and stability of Muslim communities.

For his part, the Grand Imam underscored Al-Azhar's ongoing efforts to promote Islam's moderation and that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have conducted dialogues between the East and West and held international conferences on the status of women in Islam to go with advocating for the use of the term "citizenship" instead of "minorities," promoting equality and empowerment regardless of religion, race, gender, or colour.

Al-Azhar has also introduced positive integration among all citizens within a country, drawing on the example of the first Islamic state established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which included the "Constitution of Medina" that ensured everyone's rights. This document remains a pure Islamic stance on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, based on respect, affection, coexistence, and integration.

The Grand Imam also highlighted the lack of coordinated efforts among Islamic countries and institutions, stressing the need for a unified Islamic voice to address its challenges and crises. He warned that efforts, no matter how substantial, would only be effective if driven by a genuine desire for change, which can only be achieved through full cooperation and coordination. Excluding any party would only lead to further fragmentation and disorientation, hindering the Islamic world’s path to progress and prosperity.