FOREIGN AND
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News
Network on 4 July 2008
A delegation of
prominent British Muslims will be visiting Egypt from 6 July to
meet a range of leading Egyptian figures to build partnerships
that highlight positive messages about modern Islam and challenge
the extremist narrative.
The delegates said:
"We're going to Egypt for a dialogue and debate on
issues of mutual concern, in particular how to tackle the
extremists who threaten both our countries. We are looking
forward to an open and frank discussion with leading figures in
Egypt including Muslim scholars, community representatives,
educational and women's leaders.
"We are also excited for the opportunity to share our
experiences as British Muslims in Britain today and learn from the
experiences of our Egyptian hosts. We are proud to be
representing the diverse range of British Muslim communities. The
aim is to build long term bridges between our countries and
lasting partnerships with leading figures from communities in Egypt"
Background information to editors:
1- Projecting British Muslims is a programme of visits by British
Muslim delegations facilitated by the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office to a range of Muslim majority countries and countries with
Muslim communities. The aim is to share their experiences as
Muslims in Britain today and engage in constructive dialogue and
debate with a range of political, religious and social groups and
figures. To date there have been over 25 such delegations to
approximately across the Middle East, Asia and Africa involving
over 70 delegates.
2- Members of the Delegation are not spokespeople for the
Government. They represent the UK and their communities. They are
free to express their own opinions during the visits. The FCO and
our Embassies arrange programmes that enable the delegates to
engage with a wide range of opinion-formers or young people in the
country they are visiting e.g. university students; community
leaders, civil society groups. The groups they represent are not
in any way affiliated with the British Government. Participants
all freely volunteer their time.
Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL