DUSHANBE, February 7, Asia-Plus -- Issues related to expansion of educational and scientific cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt were discussed at a meeting President Rahmonov with Dr Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, Rector of Al-Azhar University, in Cairo on February 6.    

According to Abdufattoh Sharipov, a spokesman for the Tajik president, during the meeting Dr Tantawi noted that Al-Azhar, which is one of the largest education and research centers in the Islamic world, studies various problems of all the world religions and carries out research work to address modern challenges and threats.   

The sides considered the possibility of Tajik students’ studying various medical and engineering disciplines at the University.  

Rahmonov and Tantawi also discussed relations between the Muslim-dominated states and measures to improve living level of Muslims throughout the world.  Rahmonov noted that to achieve these goals it is necessary to develop economics, science, education and culture.  He also noted that Muslim countries with large economic potentials should provide assistance to poor countries.  

“The Islamic world should create a culture of cooperation and constructive relations, preventing violence and extremism,” Rahmonov stressed.  

Al-Azhar University (al-Azhar al-Shareef, "the Noble Azhar"), is a premier Egyptian institution of higher learning, world-renowned for its position as a center of Islamic scholarship and education. It is the second oldest operating university in the world.  Al-Azhar University was built by the Fatimid Dynasty (909-1171) who established Cairo as their capital.