Ashraf AboArafe
The Korean Ambassador, Mr. Kim Yonghyon, paid a courtesy call on the Grand Imam of Al-Azhhar on Sunday, 3 December 2023 and exchanged views and ways to explore possible cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.
Ambassador Kim paid tribute to Al-Azhar’s central role and authority for the development of religious sciences and Islamic affairs as an independent scientific Islamic institution. Recognizing Grand Imam’s contribution for national and social integrity of Egypt and peaceful co-existence of religions, Ambassador Kim also thanked for his efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Korea and Egypt in cultural and educational aspects.
Grand Imam welcomed Ambassador Kim and wished all the success in his efforts for the development of the relationship of two countries in all aspects. Especially, Grand Imam emphasized the importance of social integration and tolerance and the efforts to protect harmonious inter-faith relations under the current situation.
Both sides also changed their views on the on-going military conflict in the region. Ambassador Kim hoped that the situation will de-escalate as soon as possible and no more lives will be lost.He added that the Government of the Republic of Korea contributed 2 million US dollars to the Egyptian Red Crescent Society and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East(UNRWA).
Grand Imam and Ambassador Kim agreed the need to strengthen educational cooperation between Korea and Egypt for mutual understanding, and to cooperate further in this area including exchange of students.
