Mohammed bin Zayed receives Shaikh Al Azhar, Archbishop of Canterbury

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received Grand Imam  of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb and The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The two religious figures are visiting the country to attend the sessions of interfaith dialogue on integration, religious freedom and flourishing societies, organised by the Muslim Council of Elders and with Christian leaders from the Anglican Communion. Held in Abu Dhabi, the two-day event is attended by a number of religious and cultural figures around the world.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Board of Trustees of the Muslims Council of Elders, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Crown Prince's Court of Abu Dhabi, and a number of officials.

Shaikh Mohammed welcomed the two guests, wishing that their efforts would be crowned with success in service of tolerance, understanding and co-existence among different religions and sects to live in peace, security and tranquillity.

He exchanged views with them on core issues addressed by the dialogue to maximise the humanitarian and cultural affairs of nations and peoples.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi stressed that justice, peace and the teachings of the religions are the demands of peoples. He stressed that the UAE, led by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, laid down the rules and principles that reinforce the UAE's approach regarding the co-existence, tolerance, equality, and the rejection of extremism, violence, as well as discrimination and racism.

The path of security, stability, and development starts from reassurance of communities and upholding the noble human values of love, prosperity and tolerance, Shaikh Mohammed said.

He called on all to unite against the destructive and extremist ideas, and criminal acts committed by the terrorist organisations to defame the religions. This, he continued, will be attained through highlighting the noble principles and lofty values as well as justice, peace and co-existence.

Shaikh Mohammed referred to multiple challenges that require all to unite and overcome them, and to correct misconceptions about the messages of different religions.

He stressed that the UAE has always sought to strengthen the foundations of peace anytime and anywhere out of the belief that this can enhance development.

The two guests expressed their gratitude and sincere appreciation to the UAE, its leadership and people for the positive image reflected in the authentic community values. They also praised the state's efforts to promote peace and co-operation among religions and peoples.