Greece Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis visits the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by the UAE Ambassador to Greece Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri this month.
The visit was part of his official trip to the United Arab Emirates, during which he met with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
Upon arrival at the mosque, Minister Gerapetritis and his delegation were received by Dr. Yousef Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. They toured the mosque’s halls and exterior corridors, learning about its history, architectural features, and the distinctive Islamic art that adorns its structure.
The delegation was introduced to the mosque’s unique collections, showcasing the finest examples of Islamic civilization and the harmonious convergence of diverse artistic and architectural designs.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is renowned for its cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, values inspired by the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, HE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The mosque plays a significant role in promoting Islamic culture and enhancing cross-cultural communication worldwide. Minister Gerapetritis’s visit underscored these values, reflecting the shared commitment of Greece and the UAE to fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures and religions.
“It is a great honour to be at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a magnificent landmark that stands as a global beacon embodying the values of tolerance and coexistence among cultures,” says Minister Gerapetritis.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a gift to Minister Gerapetritis: a compass inspired by the mosque’s chandeliers, along with a copy of the book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace.
This publication highlights the mosque’s unique architectural style and takes readers on a visual journey to discover its architectural and artistic grandeur, featuring award-winning images from the Spaces of Light Award.
“It is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of human unity and interfaith harmony. The profound message that emanates from this sacred place is that all people share a common essence and that we must remain united, bound by love and faith, working together to foster peace and achieve prosperity,” says Minister Geraptritis.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, is a prominent landmark in Abu Dhabi. It serves as a centre for Islamic culture and a platform for promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The mosque’s architectural design combines elements from various Islamic traditions, creating a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of cultural unity.
Minister Gerapetritis’s visit to the mosque was part of a broader diplomatic mission to the Middle East, which included meetings with officials in Qatar, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. These visits aimed to strengthen Greece’s bilateral relations with countries in the region and to promote dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
In the UAE, the discussions between Minister Gerapetritis and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including economic, investment, trade, and energy.
Both sides emphasized the importance of their comprehensive strategic partnership and explored opportunities to further advance collaboration in a manner that serves the shared interests of both nations and promotes prosperity and well-being for their peoples.
