High Level Delegation from Finnish Church Aid and Peacemakers Network visited the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and met its Secretary General on Sunday 30 Rabiul Awwal 1445 corresponding to 15th October 2023 at its headquarters in Jeddah the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The delegation of seven members were received on their arrival by the Secretary General of the Academy His Excellency Professor Koutoub Moustapha Sano. The delegation included Dr. Tomi Järvinen Executive Director and Dr. Muhamed Elsanousi Executive Director of Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, and country Directors of Finnish Church Aid in Uganda, Somalia and Ukraine.

The Head of the delegation and Executive Director of Finn Church Aid Dr Tomi Järvinen expressed of their delight at the hospitality and warm reception at the Academy. He added that their organisation FCA is one of the biggest non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Finland active in humanitarian work around the world. Their work revolves around the themes of peace, quality education and sustainable livelihoods. Speaking at the meeting Dr. Muhamed Executive Director of The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet Professor Sano in his capacity as the new Secretary General of the Academy and the remarkable work he has been leading since he assumed the office. He added: “It is extremely important to partner with religious organisations due to the importance of religion to inculcating the values of mutual respect, diversity and peaceful co-existence” stating that partnership with the Academy is vital and relevant as it is the main reference for elucidating shariah and Fiqh issues.

On his part, HE Professor Sano the Secretary General of the Academy welcomed the delegation and thanked them for the visit to the Academy in order to explore areas of collaboration. He gave the guests an overview of the vision of the Acadaemy anchored in nurturing the ideals of peace, moderation and compassion as taught by the teachings of Islam. He noted that the Academy is the main reference point for juristic and intellectual perspectives on Islam within the OIC system. He added: “we need to embrace principles of citizenship, acceptance of difference and shared human values noting that religions are mean to promote dialogue and peaceful co-existence and not conflicts and clashes “.

Finally, the delegation thanked HE Professor Sano for the hospitality and warm welcome reiterating the willingness for collaboration with the Academy.

The Meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Mondher Redha Chouk, Director of Cabinet, Protocols, and Legal Affairs, Ms. Sarah Amjad Badewi, Director of the Family, Woman, Childhood and Elderly Affairs and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations Division.