The Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil (FAMBRAS) received, on October 29, 2025, the visit of Her Excellency Ms. Mai Taha Khalil, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Brazil, during a meeting held at the FAMBRAS Headquarters in São Paulo.

Accompanied by the Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Egypt, Mr. Islam Ahmed Taha, the Ambassador was welcomed by The President of the FAMBRAS Group, Dr. Mohamed El Zoghbi, and the Vice – President of FAMBRAS, Dr. Ali El Zoghbi, Chief Operating Officer; and Sheikh Essadik El Otmani, Religious Director.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Antar Beltagy Elashry, Head of the Mission of the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf in Brazil, responsible for coordinating the religious cooperation initiatives between Egypt and Brazil.

During the visit, joint projects between FAMBRAS and the Ministry of Awqaf were presented, focusing on strengthening the religious and social work carried out by Egyptian sheikhs in Brazilian Islamic communities. These initiatives include spiritual guidance, promotion of Islamic education, and support for Islamic associations and mosques across the country.

The meeting was also attended by several sheikhs currently serving in Brazil as part of the Egyptian religious delegation, providing community services in different regions, including:

• Sheikh Mohamed Mansour Mohamed Mahmoud, Islamic Association of the Mosque of Mercy, Santo Amaro (SP)
• Mohamed Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Malka, Islamic Association of Campinas (SP)
• Sheikh Makkawi Hussein Mohamed Hussein Makkawi, Islamic Association of Santos (SP)
• Sheikh Mukhtar Ali Mohamed Nawfal, Brazil Mosque and representative of Al-Azhar (SP)
• Mohamed Hassan Abdelazim, Islamic Charitable Association of Uruguaiana (RS)
• Ahmed Younis Ahmed Abdelghani, Islamic Center of Manaus (AM)
• Sheikh Amro Youssef Mustapha Youssef El Gendy, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid Mosque, São Miguel (SP)
• Abdullah Sayed Ali Rahim, Mosque of Peace, Paraná
• Sheikh Mohamed Ahmad Zain Khalifa, Al Huda Mosque, São José dos Campos (SP)
• and Muhammad Mahmoud Mahmoud Al-Adl, Islamic Charitable Association of Paranaguá (PR).

During the meeting, Ambassador Mai Taha Khalil expressed her admiration for the work carried out by the sheikhs in Brazil, highlighting their essential role in serving Islamic communities, preserving religious values, and strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between Egypt and Brazil.

“I was deeply impressed by the dedication and tireless efforts of both Egyptian and Brazilian sheikhs, who work daily for the well-being of Muslim communities across the country,” stated the Ambassador. “The Ministry of Awqaf and FAMBRAS have built a solid bridge of cooperation and mutual respect.”

Dr. Mohamed El Zoghbi, President of FAMBRAS Group, emphasized the importance of this partnership and the active presence of religious leaders:

“The sheikhs play a vital role in Brazilian Islamic communities. They are a source of faith, guidance, and dialogue. The Ambassador’s visit reinforces our shared commitment to further support and strengthen this work.”

The visit consolidated the partnership between FAMBRAS, the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf, and the Embassy of Egypt in Brazil, strengthening religious, cultural, and social ties between the two countries, with a focus on continued support for Brazilian Muslim communities.