Historic Visit: Thailand’s Speaker Welcomes Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, welcomed Prof Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Thai House of Representatives. The meeting, attended by the Thai Minister of Justice and several members of the House of Representatives, focused on enhancing mutual relations.

The Speaker emphasized the historic nature of the visit, noting it as the first by a Sheikh of Al-Azhar to the Thai Parliament. He expressed pride and gratitude, highlighting Al-Azhar’s significant role in fostering Egyptian-Thai relations and supporting Thai students with scholarships and training programs.

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and mutual relations. He announced an increase in scholarships for Thai Muslims and the number of Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand. He also pledged to intensify training courses for Thai imams, tailored to the needs of Thai society.

The meeting concluded with the Grand Imam presenting the Al-Azhar Shield and the Medal of the Muslim Council of Elders to the Speaker, commemorating the council’s tenth anniversary.