Chairman of the  Muslim Council of Elders Receives the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Discusses Most Prominent Issues and Challenges Facing the Islamic World

President of Bosnia and Herzegovina Extends an Official Invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Visit the Country, and His Eminence the Grand Imam Warmly Welcomes the Gracious Invitation

The Chairman of the  Muslim Council of Elders Expresses the Readiness to Open a Regional Office of the Council in Sarajevo to Serve the Muslim Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Provide Necessary Support to Muslims in Europe

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the  Muslim Council of Elders, received Denis Bećirović, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss the most prominent issues and challenges facing the Islamic world.

The Grand Imam warmly welcomed the Bosnian President to Al-Azhar and explained that Muslim unity is the only way to lead the nation out of their ongoing crises. He also expressed the readiness of the Muslim Council of Elders to open a regional office in Sarajevo to serve the Muslim community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide necessary support to Muslims in Europe at large.

In turn, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed his delight at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam, stating, "We are proud of the historical relationship that connects our nation with Al-Azhar, which is a great Islamic institution." He also noted that more than 300 distinguished scholars from Bosnia and Herzegovina have graduated from Al-Azhar University, going on to become eminent scholars and leaving a profound impact on the history of the Eastern European country. Bećirović lamented that graduates of Al-Azhar are highly respected and hold prestigious positions in various leadership, academic, and scientific roles in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Bosnian President also noted the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis, considering it the most important ethical document signed in modern times. He also stressed the need to adhere to its principles and generalize its provisions, especially in times witnessing humanitarian, economic, and social crises in various regions around the world.

President Bećirović also welcomed the establishment of a center for teaching the Arabic language in his nation's capital, Sarajevo, stating that he would personally follow up on the matter upon his return to the country. He noted his nation's pride in its Islamic identity, believing in diversity and inclusivity, and providing the suitable environment to accommodate everyone and enjoy their full rights.

The Bosnian President also extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating, "As the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I invite Your Eminence to visit our nation. We along with our people will be delighted with such a historic visit." For his part, His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed the gracious invitation, affirming that he will accept it at the earliest opportunity.