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MANILA (SDN) — An Egyptian official, Minister for Religious Endowment Prof. Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, arrived in Manila with his delegation today, June 30, for a three-day official visit.
Upon their arrival they proceeded to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) with Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim who graciously hosted Al-Azhari and his party at the NCMF Central Office in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
SDN — SciTech & Digital News learned about this important visit through information relayed by the NCMF-National Capital Region.
Further, it was learned from a Note Verbale the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt sent earlier to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Al-Azhari wants to hold a lecture on the topic focusing on Islam and peaceful co-existence.
The embassy’s communications to the DFA also cited Al-Azhari’s wishes to plant a tree in Manila to be named the “Egyptian Tree” to symbolize Egypt-Philippines friendship.
Venue of the tree planting ceremonies will be at the Blue Mosque and Cultural Center in Maharlika Village, Taguig City, Metro Manila, morning of Tuesday, July 1.
Moreover, the embassy also requested the DFA to arrange a meeting between Al-Azhari and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro H. Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (STI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and Muslim Affairs Secretary Abdurahim.
Egypt Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Zaki, First Secretary of Egyptian Embassy Dr. Amin Shaaban will accompany Al-Azhari and party in the series of meetings.
The NCMF will host a program at the Blue Mosque, where Al-Azhari may lead the Dhuhr noon time prayer.
NCMF-NCR Regional Director Dr. Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr. will deliver the Opening Remarks, Secretary Abdurahim will deliver a Special Message, followed by Special Messages of Al-Azhari and Ambassador Zaki.
Dhuhur congregational prayer will follow, to be capped by lunch for the guests and event participants.
Atty. Jamael U. Batugan, Jr. and Lafayette C. Alonto will host the program.
Secretary Abdurahim welcomed the visit of the Egyptian officials. — EDD K. Usman (✓)