Oman and Algeria discuss cooperation in religious affairs

Oman’s Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr Mohammed Bin Said Al-Maamari, met with Shaikh Dr Mohammed Al-Maamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani, Algeria’s minister of state and dean of the Great Mosque of Algiers, to discuss enhancing bilateral ties in religious and cultural spheres.

The meeting, held yesterday in Muscat, emphasised the exchange of expertise to strengthen the role of mosques in their respective communities. According to the Oman News Agency (ONA) both sides highlighted the significance of mosques and endowments in promoting religious and humanitarian values, as well as fostering social cohesion.

The Sultanate of Oman and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria hold an official talks session dealing with the fields of endowments and religious affairs.https://t.co/ZH4GfQc3ZU pic.twitter.com/ioBPk6tPjD

— Oman News Agency (@ONA_eng) November 10, 2024

Sheikh Al-Maamoun praised Oman’s model of managing religious affairs, commending the Sultanate’s dedication to maintaining mosques as centres for worship, education, and social engagement. He expressed Algeria’s desire to learn from Oman’s approach and to collaborate further to build communities founded on peace and mutual understanding.

Al-Maamoun noted that Oman has set an exemplary standard in managing endowments and religious affairs, cultivating a generation grounded in values. Both countries have significant Ibadi Muslim communities; Oman is predominantly Ibadi, while Algeria hosts Ibadi communities in the M’zab Valley.

The meeting comes after last month’s three-day state visit to the sultanate by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during which eight memoranda of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Last week in a press release, the Rectorate of Djamaa El-Djazair said Al-Maamoun’s visit will be an opportunity to “strengthen the relations of religious, scientific and cultural exchanges, the outlines of which were defined by the President,” during his state visit.

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