Lebanon's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, on Tuesday highly praised the historic document that has been signed in the United Arab Emirates between Pope Francis and Al-Azhar's great Imam, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb.

"This document promotes the spread of a culture of interfaith dialogue, as well as the consolidation of Christian-Islamic relations," the Mufti said in a statement issued today. 

"The white Emirati hands, which have sponsored this spectacular event, are to be thanked and appreciated for their pioneering work in consolidating the 'human brotherhood document' which will constitute a roadmap to achieve peace, tolerance, compassion, and love among people from all the walks of life," the statement added. 

On the other hand, Dar al-Fatwa's Information Office declared that the absence of the Grand Mufti from the peace conference in Abu Dhabi was due to private and urgent reasons, which urged the Mufti to stay in Lebanon.

"Just days before the conference, Mufti Derian had praised the importance of the conference and the visit of Pope Francis and Sheikh Al- Azhar to the United Arab Emirates, the land of peace and tolerance," the press office said. 

"The relationship between Dar al-Fatwa and the Emirati leadership is robust and has been strengthened since Grand Mufti Derian had visited to the UAE on many occasions and thanked it for helping Dar Al-Fatwa and its affiliated institutions," the press office added.