Mecca – Sheikh of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayeb praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense for the efforts he is exerting on enhancing the Arabic and Islamic cooperation.

Prince Mohammed received a telephone call from Sheikh Tayeb in which he congratulated him on his new selection and appointment, wishing him all success in serving his religion, homeland, Arab and Islamic nations under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Tayeb expressed al-Azhar’s condemnation of the failed terrorist attack that targeted the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah on Friday, stressing al-Azhar’s stand with the Kingdom in combating terrorism and confronting it until it is eradicated and uprooted.

For his part, the Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation to al-Azhar and its important role in clarifying the truths of Islam and the dissemination of religion, especially in this delicate stage being experienced by our Arab and Islamic nation.

The Crown Prince pointed out that the Islamic nation is counting greatly on the role of religious institutions in the coming stage, praising the efforts led by Sheikh al-Azhar in confronting the extremist ideology and terrorist groups.

The Crown Prince congratulated Sheikh of al-Azhar on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, praying to Allah Almighty for its returns to Arab and Islamic nations with welfare, prosperity and blessings.

In related news, Prince Mohammed continued to receive telephone calls from leaders and top officials congratulating him on his selection as Crown Prince, appointment as Deputy Premier, and continuing as Minister of Defense.

The Crown Prince expressed his appreciation and thanks for their noble feelings and wished their people prosperity.

Prince Mohammed received calls from Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Pakistani Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Egyptian Minister of Defense and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Egypt Sedki Sobhy, Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Hussein, and Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea.