A delegation from Gambia participates for the first time in Al-Azhar's program for training imams and preachers

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Ambassador Hatem Raslan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia and Head of the Gambian Liaison Office in the Arab Republic of Egypt, received a delegation of eight representatives from a number of Arab and Islamic institutions from The Gambia, who are participating in Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s program for training and capacity building for imams, preachers and fatwa researchers, at the headquarters of the Gambian Liaison Office in Cairo.

The meeting is an important milestone in supporting cooperation between Egypt and Gambia in the fields of religious education and training of personnel, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries.

First Gambian participation in the Al-Azhar program

During the meeting, the head of the delegation, Amin Fatty, expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Hatem Raslan, praising his efforts in serving the government and people of Gambia, and his continued support for the Gambian community in Egypt.

The delegation members also gave an overview of the institutions they represent, expressing their happiness to participate in the training program organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which aims to qualify imams, preachers and fatwa researchers according to a methodology based on moderation and centrism.

Ambassador Hatem Raslan confirmed that this participation represents the first official presence of a Gambian delegation in Al-Azhar’s program for training and qualifying imams and preachers, considering it a historic step that reflects the continuous development in relations between Cairo and Banjul.

Strengthening cooperation in education and religious affairs

The ambassador noted that this step opens new horizons for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and religious affairs, stressing the importance of expanding scholarship opportunities for Gambian students and strengthening partnerships between educational institutions in Egypt and Gambia.

He added that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is a global scientific beacon in spreading the values of moderation and tolerance, and that the participation of Gambian cadres in its training programs will contribute to conveying this message to Gambian society and promoting a correct understanding of the teachings of Islam.

Invitation to take advantage of the program

At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Hatem Raslan wished all members of the delegation success, calling on them to make the most of the training program and to benefit from the scientific expertise provided by Al-Azhar scholars.

He also urged participants to convey Al-Azhar’s message of moderation and tolerance to their communities, and to contribute to spreading moderate thought and promoting the values of coexistence and peace, in a way that serves Islamic societies and supports efforts to confront extremist thought.