Muslims have strong and deep-rooted ties with Ethiopia, which protected Islam, when early Muslims looked headed to the east African country and sought refuge in its territory from their persecutors, said Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb.

Tayyeb's remark came during his meeting Monday with the two representatives of the Ethiopian popular diplomacy delegation, including Vice President of Addis Ababa University Hirut Woldemariam and former chairman of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce Mulu Solomon along with the Ethiopian ambassador to Egypt.

Al Azhar appreciates efforts exerted by the Ethiopian delegation to benefit from the youths' energies and the popular diplomacy in further promoting ties between the Egyptian and Ethiopian nations.

The two representatives of the Ethiopian popular diplomacy, for their part, hailed the close ties binding Egypt and Ethiopia.

They also hailed Al Azhar' crucial role in entrenching peace and promoting ties among the all people.

Sources: MENA