A Night of Gratitude and Unity as the Egyptian Consul General Farewells Sydney
28/11/2025
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: A farewell dinner was held at Al-Faisal College in Auburn in honour of His Excellency Mohamed Khalil Morsi, Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt, marking the conclusion of his diplomatic service in Australia on Thursday 20 November 2025. The event reflected the depth of cultural, educational and diplomatic ties between Egypt and Australia.
C.G of Egypt H.E M. Morsi (C), Hon. P. Ruddock and Mr S. A. KHAN Among the attendees were The Honourable Philip Ruddock AO, former Federal Attorney General and former Mayor of Hornsby Shire, Mayor Bilal El Hayek of Canterbury Bankstown, His Excellency Qamar Zaman, Consul General of Pakistan, Her Excellency Belgin Ergunes, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, and His Excellency Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh, Consul General of Indonesia. Also present were a number of distinguished guests, including political leaders, diplomats, religious scholars, educators and prominent community figures. The ceremony followed a carefully coordinated sequence, beginning with the formal entrance of His Excellency at six o’clock in the evening as guests stood to welcome him.
He conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency Mashare Ben Naheet, Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who was unable to attend but extended his sincere best wishes to the honouree and the community. The Master of Ceremonies also expressed delight that His Excellency’s service in Australia continues, noting the positive impact of his ongoing leadership.
Mr Shafiq A. Khan presents a symbolic gift to Mr Morsi in presence of Dr. I. Ali He then remarked,
“Tonight, we celebrate the distinguished career of Mohamed Khalil Morsi. His dedication, warm spirit, and unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural and educational exchange have left a lasting legacy in our community.”
The Master of Ceremonies acknowledged the Consul General’s steadfast support for the Australian Islamic Cultural Centre and Al-Faisal Colleges, praising his efforts in fostering understanding, collaboration, and goodwill within the broader community. He reflected on the shared vision for educational excellence and community progress that underpins the strong relationship between the institutions.
He highlighted the significant support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through funding for educational and cultural initiatives, and expressed deep appreciation for the teachers sent by the Saudi Ministry of Education over the past two decades. These educators have played an essential role in strengthening Arabic and Islamic Studies programs in Australia, enriching students’ learning experiences, and enabling them to connect more deeply with their language, culture, and faith.
In addition, he acknowledged the support of the Egyptian government, recognising the valuable contributions of Egyptian scholars proficient in both Arabic and English. Their guidance has been instrumental in supporting youth, strengthening families, and promoting a balanced and contemporary understanding of Islam within the Australian Muslim community.
Mrs Khan presents a symbolic gift to Mrs Morsi RtoL: Mr& Mrs Khan, Mrs Hassanein, Mrs Morsi, Mr Morsi and Dr. Ali
The program opened with a recitation of the Holy Quran delivered by Sheikh Ahmed Kasem, Imam of the Grand Omar Mosque, followed by an English translation and a supplication that set a reflective and spiritual tone. This was followed by the Australian National Anthem and a video presentation showcasing the achievements of the Australian Islamic Cultural Centre, including the establishment of mosques such as the Grand Omar Mosque in Auburn, Masjid Omar in Wollongong, Masjid Bilal in Hinchinbrook and Northshore Mosque in Artarmon, as well as the growth of Al-Faisal College across its campuses in Auburn, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Lakemba, along with its affiliated centres. The presentation also included a tribute to the history of Al-Faisal College and the Australian Islamic Cultural Centre delivered by Mr Shafiq Khan, Mrs Safia Khan Hassanein, directors, staff and students, highlighting the vital role of mosques and schools in fostering social cohesion through the College’s Arabic Language program and Islamic Studies program.
Address by Sheikh Shafiq Abdullah Khan
Sheikh Shafiq Abdullah Khan delivered an emotional address beginning with the prophetic teaching “He who does not thank people does not thank God.”
He described gratitude as an act of faith and a means of drawing closer to God.
He said:
“We gather today to honour a man distinguished by noble character, kindness, and unwavering integrity.”
He praised the Consul General for his humility, generosity, and sincere commitment to serving others, noting that the community had benefited from his friendship for nearly five years.
Sheikh Shafiq expressed his thanks to Egypt, “the land of wisdom within us all,” and conveyed deep appreciation to the Egyptian government and the Ministry of Endowments for their consistent support of the Muslim community in Australia. He also thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his dedication to Islamic institutions and his efforts to promote clarity and moderation in religious discourse.
Regarding Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Shafiq acknowledged its role as the spiritual centre of the Islamic world, praising the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their steadfast support of Islamic institutions worldwide. He expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its initiatives in promoting moderation and combating extremism, and to the Ministry of Education for supporting Arabic and Islamic studies through sending qualified teachers to Australia.
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Mrs Hassanein and Mrs Morsi During cutting the cake
Reflections by Dr Intaj Ali
Dr Intaj Ali delivered thoughtful reflections on the significance of His Excellency’s contributions to Egyptian and Australian relations. He highlighted the Consul General’s work in strengthening ties in education, trade and cultural diplomacy.
Dr Ali noted the increasing number of Egyptian students studying in Australia and the number of Australian students pursuing studies in Egypt, especially in fields such as Egyptology. He praised the contributions of scholars from Al Azhar University who have supported interfaith dialogue and guided the community with balanced and informed religious leadership.
He referenced Al-Faisal College student visits to Saint Mary’s Cathedral and the warm welcome received from Christian leaders, a reflection of the interfaith harmony His Excellency consistently supported.
He acknowledged the contributions of teachers sent by the Saudi Ministry of Education who have upheld exceptional standards in Arabic language instruction at Al-Faisal College for more than twenty years.
Dr Ali concluded by celebrating Egypt’s historic leadership in diplomacy, scholarship and cultural exchange. He described Egypt as a nation that has carried the banner of knowledge and moderation for centuries and ended with the heartfelt statement that Egypt is in his heart and on his lips and that he loves it with all his heart and blood.
Farewell Address by His Excellency Mohamed Khalil Morsi
Mrs. Khan presented the bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Morsi Mr Omar Hassanien (C) with his son Shafiq Hassaniern and Mr Shafiq Khan
His Excellency delivered a sincere and heartfelt speech expressing his mixed emotions as he concluded his diplomatic posting. He reflected on the friendships, community bonds and memories he had formed in Sydney. “I am grateful for my time in Sydney and deeply moved as I prepare to bid farewell to a city, a community, and friends who have touched my heart.”
He offered special thanks to Al-Faisal College for hosting the farewell and praised the vision and leadership of Mr Shafiq Khan, which he said transformed the College into a beacon of educational excellence, moral development and community service.
He stated that he would leave Sydney with deep gratitude and beautiful memories that would remain with him always and added that although his official service had come to an end, the connection between him and the community would remain strong.
He spoke of the cooperation, respect and cultural dialogue he witnessed during his service and praised the College for its commitment to education, faith and social cohesion.
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