Cairo: General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, left Cairo on Thursday, wrapping up a two-day state visit to Egypt where he held meetings with President Abdul Fattah Al Sisi, Prime Minister Ebrahim Mahlab and a number of senior officials.

Shaikh Mohammad was seen off at Cairo International Airport by Mahlab and other senior Egyptian officials.

While in Egypt, Shaikh Mohammad commended the academic, cultural and civilisational role of Al Azhar — a leading institute of learning in Sunni Islam — in the Islamic World over centuries.

Shaikh Mohammad said Al Azhar has been playing a significant role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam and promoting its fine principles of moderation, tolerance, goodness and peace.

Shaikh Mohammad made his remarks during a visit to Al Azhar in Cairo where he was welcomed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Shaikh Ahmad Al Tayeb and a number of senior scholars.

“We are glad to be in one of Islam’s forts and a minaret of science and civilisation to express our profound appreciation and respect for the message of this grand institution in promoting the tolerant image and teachings of Islam and its role in preserving Egypt’s national fabric as a united and coherent entity as well as its honourable role and stand against deviant ideas, extremists and fanatic trends,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

Shaikh Mohammad stressed the vital role of scholars in speaking out against misconceptions and ideas that distort the truth about religion and in correcting wrong beliefs that contradict the tolerance and spirit of Islam, emphasising that it is a core responsibility and top priority for scholars, especially at a time when solidarity among Arabs and unity among Muslims is the need of the hour.

Shaikh Mohammad also expressed appreciation for other Islamic and academic institutions which stand as a staunch line of defence against violence, extremism and terrorism, preaching the true message of Islam for peace and nation-building while condemning destructive ideas and misleading sabotaging slogans which target Islam’s spirit of tolerance and stability of Arab and Muslim countries.

He stressed the vital need for supporting Al Azhar in its quest to safeguard true Islamic values and its stand against intimidation, violence and destruction, indicating that the UAE is keen to bolster its cooperation with Al Azhar and continue its support for it in all areas that serve Islam and Muslims in scientific, religious, educational and knowledge fields.

The Grand Imam of Al Azhar praised the visit of Shaikh Mohammad, saying, “This visit is an extension of the ties established by the late founding father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Egypt and its people. It follows the sustained historic stances of the UAE which left a good impression in hearts of the Egyptian people as they originate from a kind heart that loves Egypt and its people.”

Dr Al Tayeb expressed his gratitude to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support for Egypt at a time when it is in desperate need of solidarity from brotherly nations.

Shaikh Mohammad and Dr Al Tayeb exchanged views on a variety of issues facing the region and stressed the importance of mobilising efforts to confront challenges like sedition and groups promoting violence and terrorism while projecting the true teachings of Islam.

Dr Al Tayeb presented a commemorative shield to Shaikh Mohammad in honour of his visit.