As part of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy’s commitment to strengthening channels of communication and cooperation with intellectual and cultural institutions and international decision-makers—thereby promoting the values of dialogue and civilizational understanding on issues related to Islam—His Excellency Prof. Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the Academy, received Her Excellency Ambassador Christina Beinhoff, Head of the Department of Culture and Society at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, on Thursday, 27 Dhul-Qa‘dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 14 May 2026, at the Academy’s headquarters in Jeddah. She was accompanied by Her Excellency Ms Andrea Christ, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Jeddah and Special Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency welcomed the Ambassador and her accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure at this visit, which is intended to strengthen cooperation between the Academy and relevant institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany. His Excellency stated, “I am truly delighted to welcome you. This visit reflects the strength of the distinguished relationship between the Academy and the relevant institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany. We look forward to enhancing academic and scientific cooperation with German institutions in a way that contributes to deepening intellectual engagement and cultural dialogue between the Islamic world and Germany.” He also reiterated the importance of countering misinterpretations and combating extremist ideologies in all their forms, foremost among them Islamophobia.

For her part, Ambassador Beinhoff expressed her appreciation for the visit and for meeting His Excellency, saying: “We are here to learn more about the Academy’s vision and activities. I understand that the Academy plays an outstanding role in promoting correct understanding based on shared values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.”

His Excellency then presented a brief overview of the Academy’s role as a global scholarly body under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, dedicated to studying contemporary issues and clarifying Sharia-based positions on intellectual, social, financial, and other emerging matters of concern to Muslims worldwide. A short introductory film highlighting the Academy’s history, mission, and contributions was also shown during the meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency affirmed the Academy’s readiness to cooperate and partner with German institutions that serve shared objectives and promote mutual understanding and civilizational dialogue.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Muhammad Al-Munzir Ridha Al-Shawk, Director of the Cabinet, Protocol, and Legal Affairs; Ms. Sarah Amjad Badiwi, Director of the Department of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly; and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Director of the Department of Planning and Development, International Cooperation, Archives, and Follow-up.