Within the framework of his official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met on 14 September with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque, Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad al-Tayeb, according to a statement from the RA Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Public Diplomacy.
During the meeting, the centuries-old Armenian-Egyptian friendship, anchored in feelings of solidarity and mutual respect between the two peoples, was underscored.
“The warm and caring attitude of the Egyptian government toward the Armenian community is truly commendable, thanks to which Armenians were able to preserve their language, culture, religion and national identity,” said Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, adding that “from the standpoint of religious tolerance and the protection of minority rights, Egypt’s experience can serve as a good example.”
Both sides expressed concern over crimes committed with extremist motives in various parts of the world, manifestations of discrimination on religious grounds, and the exploitation of religion for political purposes. In this context, the interlocutors stressed the importance of interfaith tolerance and harmonious coexistence. Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia consistently works in various international formats toward the protection of the rights of religious groups and the ensuring of religious diversity.
