During his official state visit to Egypt, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a significant meeting with the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Imam Akbar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, at the renowned Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The meeting was a key step in reinforcing the longstanding religious and educational ties between Indonesia and Egypt, particularly in strengthening cooperation between the Indonesian people and the prestigious Al-Azhar institution.
President Prabowo was warmly received by Grand Sheikh Al-Tayeb at the Al-Azhar Mosque, a revered center of Islamic scholarship in the Arab world. The Grand Sheikh also introduced several notable Egyptian scholars who were present at the mosque to greet the Indonesian delegation. The President’s visit to Al-Azhar underscores the deep historical relationship between Indonesia and the institution, which has served as a spiritual and academic home for thousands of Indonesian students over the years.
Following the initial welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo and Grand Sheikh Al-Tayeb proceeded to the Grand Sheikh’s Office for a private discussion. The talks are seen as an effort to further strengthen the enduring ties between Indonesia and Al-Azhar, particularly in the fields of education, religious dialogue, and cultural exchange. The meeting also reflects Indonesia’s continued commitment to promoting moderate Islam and fostering global peace through mutual understanding.
The discussions were not the first between the two leaders. Grand Sheikh Al-Tayeb had previously visited Indonesia in July 2024, where he met with President Prabowo to discuss similar issues of mutual concern, including the role of Islam in promoting peace, education, and cultural understanding.
Accompanying President Prabowo during the meeting were Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Indonesia’s Ambassador to Cairo, Lutfi Rauf. The delegation’s visit highlights the growing diplomatic and educational partnership between the two nations, with an emphasis on enhancing academic and religious cooperation.
Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic educational institutions in the world, has been an important center for Indonesian students seeking religious and scholarly training for generations. Strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with Al-Azhar is seen as pivotal in reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to promoting peace and understanding across the Muslim world.
This high-level meeting comes at a time when both Indonesia and Egypt continue to play important roles in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting global peace and stability. By deepening cooperation in religious and educational spheres, both countries aim to contribute to the global effort for peace and harmony among diverse religious communities.
The President’s visit to Egypt, including his meeting with Grand Sheikh Al-Tayeb, is part of a broader diplomatic effort to enhance Indonesia’s relationships with key global partners and to promote Indonesia’s active role in international peacebuilding and religious dialogue.