The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has awarded His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders with his nation’s First Class Order of Friendship in recognition of His Eminence's efforts in promoting global peace and coexistence.

The medal was presented to His Eminence the Grand Imam by Mr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, during an official visit to the Grand Imam on Sunday. Ashimbayev affirmed that the medal is one of the highest honors in the Republic of Kazakhstan and reflects his nation’s appreciation of the efforts of His Eminence the Grand Imam in promoting the noble values of Islam as well as fostering human fraternity and coexistence. He also revealed that the Order of Friendship reflects the love of the Kazakh people for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

For his part, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for awarding him with the First Class Order of Friendship. His Eminence emphasized that this award is in fact a recognition of Al-Azhar and its scholars, their collective history, message, and contributions, as well as the Muslim Council of Elders which comprises of various prominent scholars and individuals. The Grand Imam noted that the recognition highlights the Republic of Kazakhstan's strong interest in maintaining moderate Islamic values as well as its scientific institutions, educational curriculum while also looking to preserve religions and humanity, and uplifting society.