Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago met on 21 December 2021 with H.E. the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb.
Ambassador Tago briefed the Grand Imam on developments in the peace process in the southern Philippines, including the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The Grand Imam conveyed condolences and sympathies for the victims of typhoon Rai and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured. I conveyed the greetings of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and the Filipino people.
Both discussed various issues concerning Filipino Muslim students in Al-Azhar, and we both committed to keep communication channels open between the Embassy, Al-Azhar and the students to further improve responsiveness for the needs of the students.
Both also discussed cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Philippine Government, and the Filipino Muslims to support peace and development in the southern Philippines and BARMM.
@phinegypt @dfaphl