WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, H.E. Dr. Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, will make his first official visit to the United States between October 6-9, 2009. One of the world's leading Muslim scholars, the Grand Mufti will deliver the keynote address at the Common Word Conference, a major international interfaith initiative (www.acommonword.com) hosted by Georgetown University. The Common Word Conference will bring together prominent Muslim and Christian leaders as well as international dignitaries such as the Right Honorable Tony Blair to the nation's capital for three days of open and closed door discussions. On Wednesday, October 7, 2009, H.E. will address the United States Institute of Peace on "Overcoming Radicalization and Extremism."

Since his appointment as Grand Mufti in 2003, Dr. Gomaa has been a strong proponent of fighting extremism and eradicating extremist thought. The purpose of Dr. Gomaa's visit to the United States this week is to address the Muslim community and provide practical steps for improving relations with the Western world. His message comes nearly four months after President Obama's Cairo speech in which he called for a new chapter in the relations between the United States and the Muslim world.

For more information on the Grand Mufti, please visit www.aligomaa.net.

SOURCE Bell Pottinger Group

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http://www.acommonword.com