The US appreciates the Grand Mufti’s international efforts and praises his open heart approach

In his meeting with Michael H. Posner -the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor- the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, stated that Egypt is going through a lot of challenges currently and the most important of which is the severe issue of mistrust among the nation’s different forces. He added that Egyptians need to stand united for the country to cross over this intricate phase of its history.

The Grand Mufti asserted on the importance of the two elements of good management and sincere willingness to solve the current dilemmas we are living. He also emphasized on the importance of understanding the definition of democracy and what it entails along with being trained to use the tools of democracy. Reaching this purpose needs unity of all forces and the abandonment of animosity, discord and division.

The Grand Mufti emphatically refused the use of violence in all its forms and asserted on the importance of the peaceful nature of demonstrations along with the preservation of lives and properties. He also expressed his happiness with the American declaration of not interfering in the Egyptian internal affairs as Egypt has the needed resources and the adequate qualifications to solve its own problems. He mentioned that Egypt needs to set its priorities straight and to turn our eyes towards severe problems such as unemployment and healthcare issues.

Sheikh Ali Gomaa stressed on the vitality of having open channels of dialogue with the youth which represent the real powerful fortune of Egypt as dealing with the youth today needs both creativity and courage. Today’s youth are exposed to enormous revolution of communication that the previous generations were not subjected to.

From his part, Posner expressed his deep appreciation for the constant efforts of Dar al Iftaa and the Grand Mufti in enriching interfaith dialogue and reaching out to others. He also praised the Grand Mufti’s efforts in disseminating a culture of dialogue and tolerance among world religions.