Cairo, Oct 17 (IANS/AKI) One of the world's most influential Muslims, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque, is set to deliver a peace speech in Rome next week.
Ahmad al-Tayyeb will address the Italian parliament October 21, the Al-Azhar said in a statement.
Tayyeb's speech to Italian lawmakers will focus on the theme of "religions and peace", the statement said.
The visit is part of Tayyeb's efforts to build dialogue between East and West "based on mutual respect and acceptance that strengthens the principles of democracy and freedom and the right of every man to live in peace."
The Al-Azhar mosque and university is the highest authority in Sunni Islam and Tayyeb, considered to be one of the most moderate Sunni clerics in Egypt, has been ranked among the world's top ten most influential Muslims.
--IANS/AKI
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