Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met here today with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb.

The meeting was attended by the members of the FNC delegation participating in the 23rd Arab Parliamentary Union's Conference, Dr. Abbas Shauman, Under Secretary of Al Azhar and Ali Al Khaja, Head of the Operation Room of the Coordination Office of UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt.

Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb congratulated Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi on her election as the FNC Speaker. He stressed the important role that women play in the society as well in the parliamentary life and said the religion of Islam encourages empowerment of women.

Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi said that right from its establishment, the UAE leadership provided full support to women, adding that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had prudently realised women's potential to engage in the development process and was backed every step of the way by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

She praised the role played by Al Azhar in spreading Islamic knowledge and culture and promoting the values of Islam, including tolerance, moderation, centrism, peace and respect for other cultures.

The meeting touched on the need to shield the youth from deviant ideologies and stressed the role of Al Azhar as a beacon for Islamic thought.

Source:WAM