43 Opening of the Grand Mosque of Granada And the Islamic Cultural Centre * I am happy to participate with Spanish Muslims in the inauguration of this mosque, the construction of which remained a dream after it was temporarily halted for lack of funding. I call upon the Arab and Islamic world to explore aspects and areas of commonality with the nations of East and West with a view to making them starting points for building bridges for cultural and intellectual dialogue, exchange of expertise, and cooperation for the good of mankind. With the grace of * I funded the construction of what came to be known as the Grand Mosque of Granada, which was completed in two years. Those responsible for the project invited me to officiate at the inauguration of the mosque. On 9th July, 2003, I arrived in Granada on a visit specifically to inaugurate the mosque and its cultural centre in the wider context of supporting civilizational and cultural dialogue between Arab and Muslim people of the East and the diverse nations and civilizations of the West. In the morning of 10th July, I officially inaugurated the Grand Mosque of Granada and the cultural centre attached to it. After the inauguration, I made a statement to the Emirates News Agency and Sharjah Satellite Channel.
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