During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the al-Azhar Sheikhdom, Tayyeb said that the strong relations between the two countries necessitate helping France overcome terrorism and confronting those who kill others in the name of religion. He added that al-Azhar has addressed extremist ideas and currents, while spreading the correct religious concepts through its moderate approach. Macron expressed his aspiration to increase cooperation with al-Azhar and coordinate with it to promote the values of citizenship, coexistence and stability in French society and to confront the extremist currents that attract young Muslims in France. Meanwhile, Macron had a separate meeting with Pope Tawadros II at the St. Mark Cathedral in Abbasiya on Tuesday. The Pope said that the churches had been subjected to many terrorist attacks, but they were always an example of unity.

Source: Egypt Independent January 30, 2019 12:25 UTC