Abu Dhabi, Sept. 23rd, 2007 (WAM) - President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received here this evening the Islamic scholars and preachers who are in the country at his invitation during the holy month of Ramadan. Also received were Chairman and members of the Emirates Writers Association, Chairman and members of the Journalists Association and members of the board of National Media Council.

Present during the meeting was General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zyed Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the scholars, writers, intellectuals and journalists and praised their role in spreading amity and moderation among Muslims.

He affirmed support to the culture of centrism and tolerance, inherent in the teachings of Islam.

"Islamic scholars should seek to bolster cooperation among Islamic countries," he said.

Sheikh Khalifa urged the scholars to propagate principles of tolerance and compassion among Muslims, and to devise innovative methods to cope with the changes while reflecting the true values of Islam, based on moderation, centrism and tolerance.

He wished the scholars success in their noble mission of serving Muslims all over the world. The scholars thanked Sheikh Khalifa and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and long life, and the UAE more progress and prosperity.

They expressed their pride in Sheikh Khalifa for his positive stances, his unlimited support for Islamic issues and his keenness to enliven the deeds of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Lt. general Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Interior Minister, Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, and Chairman of the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, Sheikh Omer bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Aide De Camp, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department, Brigadier Dr Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Inspector General at the Interior Ministry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Deputy minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikhs, Ministers and senior officials.

Sheikh Khalifa hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of the guests.