Egypt's Ambassador to Thailand Hazem el Tahri started on Sunday the activities of a contest to receive 80 free of charge annual scholarships at Al Azhar.

In a statement Sunday of the Foreign Ministry, the ambassador said that the number of Thai applicants reached 341 male and female students, a rise of 12 students compared to last year.

Speaking at a press conference following the event, Tahri lauded the perseverance of the applicants in order to attain the scholarship.

He also reiterated the keenness of Egypt and Al Azhar to host Thai Muslim students, pointing out to the role played by Al Azhar in delivering the right tolerant and moderate values of Islam.

Source: MENA