Crown Prince meets Al Azhar Grand Imam, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark

AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Wednesday met with Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al Tayyib, at Al Azhar Al Sharif in Cairo.

Crown Prince Hussein conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s greetings to the grand imam, who commended Jordan’s role in defending Arab and Islamic causes, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.

His Royal Highness praised the role of Al Azhar Al Sharif in highlighting the true image of Islam and promoting mutual understanding and harmony, stressing the importance of enhancing Jordan’s cooperation with Al Azhar, according to a Royal Court statement.

The Crown Prince noted the need to utilise social media to spread constructive ideas and hope among youth, urging more attention to young Arabs to create role models and leaders who can counter challenges and contribute to decision making.

His Royal Highness thanked the grand imam for allocating five annual scholarships in scientific and medical specialties at Al Azhar University for Jordanian students.

For his part, Sheikh Ahmad said there is a need for youth leaders to embrace and promote peace, stressing the importance of qualifying young Arab leaders who can serve their countries and counter dark ideologies.

He also commended the Crown Prince’s initiatives to support young people, noting that HRH is an example of a promising and exceptional young Arab leader.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Jordan’s Ambassador in Cairo Amjad Adaileh, and Crown Prince Office Director Mustafa Khalifeh attended the meeting.

Also on Wednesday, HRH Crown Prince Hussein visited St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, the Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope, and met with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.

Crown Prince Hussein conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s greetings to the Pope, noting His Majesty’s keenness to promote interfaith harmony and mutual understanding, in line with the historical role of the Hashemites.

His Royal Highness stressed the important role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in bolstering peace and interfaith dialogue.

The Crown Prince highlighted the diverse religious tourism destinations in Jordan, such as Christian pilgrimage sites, especially the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, expressing Jordan’s keenness to increase the number of Coptic pilgrims visiting these sites.

Pope Tawadros II asked His Royal Highness to convey his greetings to His Majesty, expressing appreciation of the King’s role as custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The Crown Prince toured an exhibition held at the cathedral by Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) to promote religious tourism in the Kingdom.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Tourism Minister Nayef Al Fayez, Jordan’s Ambassador in Cairo Amjad Adaileh, JTB Managing Director Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, and Crown Prince Office Director Mustafa Khalifeh accompanied His Royal Highness on the visit.