Osama Al-Azhari, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf (Charitable Endowments), emphasized the profound connection between Egypt and the Philippines by declaring that both nations share “one home, one nation, and one family.” He articulated that genuine peace and prosperity can thrive only when individuals from both Muslim and Christian communities feel a shared responsibility towards one another. This message was delivered during the closing ceremony of the Egyptian-Filipino Programme for Religious Leaders focused on Dialogue, Coexistence, and Peacebuilding, hosted at the Grand Mosque of Egypt in the New Capital.
Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue
During the event, Minister Al-Azhari highlighted the program’s significance as a testament to Egypt’s dedication to fostering dialogue among diverse faiths. He mentioned that this initiative represents the culmination of nearly two years of collaborative efforts, which began with his visits to Manila and continued with a welcoming delegation from the Philippines in Egypt. Alongside other dignitaries, Al-Azhari underscored the importance of exchanging expertise and promoting peaceful coexistence through mutual respect and human fraternity.
Addressing Extremism and Promoting Understanding
Professor Mohamed Abdel-Dayem El-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, also spoke at the ceremony. He asserted the necessity of civilizational partnerships as a means to replace conflict and highlighted that extremism, hate speech, and the rejection of dialogue do not stem from religion but are instead societal problems. He called for initiatives aimed at leveraging digital media to enhance public awareness and promote understanding, integration, and peace among different communities.
The program aligns with the celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and the Philippines, as noted by former Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines, Nader Zaki. He elaborated on the shared values prevalent among the two populations and emphasized the growing cooperation, particularly in the training of religious leaders.
Celebrating Collaborative Initiatives
Philippine Ambassador to Cairo, Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, praised the initiative, describing it as the result of extensive consultations and reciprocal visits over the past two years. The broader program, which commenced in 2016, initially focused on training Filipino imams, judges, and lawyers, and has now expanded to include bishops and priests. This growing initiative demonstrates a commitment to interfaith cooperation.
His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak, the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Coptic Catholics, also highlighted Egypt’s remarkable capacity for coexistence, emphasizing that well-understood and respected pluralism can significantly strengthen societal bonds rather than create divisions.
A Call for Meaningful Dialogues
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Head of the State Information Service, reiterated that dialogue, peace, and coexistence ought not to be seen as mere slogans. Instead, they are essential human requirements in an increasingly conflicted world. He affirmed that the program creates a meaningful platform for direct communication among religious leaders, which fosters an environment for mutual understanding without the interference of stereotypes or prejudices.
Ambassador Youssef reinforced that coexistence in Egypt is not only a historical fact but a living reality. He emphasized that perceived differences could be transformed into bridges of understanding instead of walls that divide communities. This transformative approach to coexistence serves as an inspiration for similar efforts in other parts of the world, promoting the vital concept of interfaith harmony.