Jakarta — Minister of Defense of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, received a visit from the Grand Sheikh or Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Egypt, Ahmed Al Tayeb, at the Ministry of Defense on Wednesday (10/7) afternoon.
Ahmed Al Tayeb and his entourage arrived at the Ministry of Defense at 3:00 PM WIB and were welcomed directly by Prabowo with warm greetings and handshakes before addressing the media.
Both of them then walked together accompanied by an honor guard and marching band music.
The meeting between them lasted for about an hour and was warm. Former Minister of Religion of Indonesia, the 16th era in 1998, M. Quraish Shihab, was also present accompanying Prabowo in the meeting.
“Your Excellency, thank you for visiting us, this is a great honor. The nation of Egypt is very close to our hearts. If I’m not mistaken, in my history, Egypt was the first country to recognize the independence of the Indonesian people,” said Prabowo.
“I personally admire the history of Egypt and the struggle of the Egyptian people, and we, I am also very grateful that Al Azhar always pays attention to and supports Indonesia.”
At that moment, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Egypt also congratulated Prabowo directly on his election as President of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 period.
“With a sincere heart, we want to congratulate Your Excellency on your election as President of a very large Muslim country in Indonesia,” said Ahmed Al Tayeb to Prabowo.
He also prayed for Prabowo to always be given smoothness in carrying out his duties as President of Indonesia so that his leadership period will make Indonesia more advanced, prosperous, and safe.
“We also want to convey our best prayers for Your Excellency so that your upcoming leadership period will be filled with progress, prosperity, and security for the Indonesian people,” said Ahmed Al Tayeb.
At the end of the meeting, Prabowo, along with Quraish Shihab and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, exchanged mementos while taking photos together.
Prabowo received a book Al-Qawl Al Tayyib from the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb, and also kissed the Madinah Quran mushaf that was given.
In return, Prabowo gave mementos in the form of a keris and a plaque from the Ministry of Defense.
