President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Lebanese Mufti Abdul Latif Derian, and Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawqy Allam met on Tuesday to discuss extremist ideologies and the religious relations between Egypt and Lebanon, state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram reported. During their talks, Al-Sisi pointed out the importance of correcting religious discourse and re-defining the concepts and the deployment of the common values of coexistence and planting them in the hearts of young people. The Grand Mufti of Lebanon stressed his agreement with Al-Sisi, expressing his interest in creating a religious educational exchange between the two countries, to contribute to the protection of the correct values of Islam and preventing the spread of extremist ideas that evolve into acts of terrorism, claiming the lives of innocent people. Derian further referred to the acts of terrorism taking place in Sinai, offering his condolences to Al-Sisi and the Egyptian people for the victims of the attack in Al-Arish, which claimed the lives of at least 30 security personnel. Grand Mufti Allam highlighted the ongoing steps the religious institutions are taking to revise the curriculum in various stages of education, and enrich the Islamic principles of tolerance. He stressed the importance of correcting the false image that some have tried associating with the Islamic religion. Al-Sisi similarly stressed the pivotal role of religious scholars in the fight against extremist ideology, and spreading Islam's tolerant values through awareness seminars. Al-Sisi also stressed the support of Al-Azhar and the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments to the Lebanese Dar al-Fatwa in preparing enlightened religious cadres, which broadcasts the correct values of Islam and beliefs in freedom of worship and belief. Derian moreover highlighted the role of the Dar al-Fatwa in Lebanon, reviewing its efforts to bridge gaps between different sects, bringing together Muslims and achieving their interests, as well as contributing to the strengthening of relations with the Lebanese Christian denominations. Derian brought up the spiritual summit recently organised by the Lebanese Dar Al-Fatwa to emphasise the importance of the value of co-existence, and to send a message to this effect to all Arab countries, which are full of religious diversity. He also expressed Lebanon's gratitude for Egypt's support and its commitment to stability and security, praising the role of the Egyptian armed forces in maintaining the security and stability of Egypt, and relying on the role of Egypt in Arab unity. Derian also thanked Egypt's representation from Al-Azhar and Dar al-Ifta in his inauguration ceremony, expressing his full concordance with Al-Azhar and its statements, and pointing to the direct link between Al-Azhar and the Lebanese Dar al-Fatwa. He also stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between Al-Azhar and Dar al-Fatwa, praising Al-Azhar's message of moderation and its role in the fight against terrorism and the deployment of true Islamic thought. Al-Sisi further stressed that Egypt will continue to support Lebanon, expressing the wishes of the people of Egypt for their sister country's stability under the difficult circumstances in the Arab region. Derian spoke of Egypt's place in the hearts of the Lebanese people, and praised the steps taken by Al-Sisi for the advancement of Egypt and the realisation of the hopes and aspirations of its people.
