A senior UK official recently visited the Grand Mosque of Algiers, engaging in discussions about strengthening ties and fostering intercultural dialogue. Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Deputy Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, met with Sheikh Muhammad Ma’mun al-Qasimi al-Hassani, the Dean of the Grand Mosque, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration between Algeria and the United Kingdom.
The meeting, held on Tuesday and attended by Falconer’s aides and the British Ambassador to Algeria, highlighted the deep-rooted historical relationship between the two nations. Sheikh al-Qasimi expressed his hope for further development of these ties to serve the mutual interests of both countries. He emphasized the Grand Mosque’s role as a beacon of knowledge and a symbol of Islamic values, promoting tolerance, compassion, and moderation. He cited the legacy of prominent Muslim figures like Emir Abdelkader, whose contributions he presented last year at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The Dean also underscored the Grand Mosque’s commitment to interfaith dialogue through its research center dedicated to religious studies and intercultural exchange. He reaffirmed the importance of dialogue in Islam but voiced his disappointment at the limited progress in achieving meaningful intercultural understanding. Al-Qasimi attributed this shortfall to the “double standards” employed by some Western nations, citing the Palestinian issue as a prime example where numerous international resolutions have gone unimplemented. He advocated for prioritizing dialogue to safeguard shared human values, which he believes are currently under threat.
Falconer expressed his delight at visiting Algeria and the Grand Mosque for the first time. He commended the Dean’s vision regarding joint cooperation and the pursuit of constructive intercultural dialogue. He further mentioned that his hometown of Lincoln, UK, prides itself on its religious coexistence, boasting both a historic cathedral and two mosques. This highlights the UK’s commitment to religious pluralism and mutual respect.
This visit underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Algeria and the UK. Discussions focused on promoting shared values, fostering understanding, and addressing global challenges through collaborative initiatives. The Grand Mosque of Algiers is playing a vital role in promoting moderate Islamic values and facilitating dialogue on a global scale. The meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including education, culture, and religious affairs. The dialogue also touched upon the importance of addressing global issues with fairness and equity, highlighting the need for a consistent application of international standards to achieve lasting peace and stability. The visit is expected to pave the way for further collaboration and exchange between Algeria and the UK in the future.
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