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In a speech given on this occasion, Belmehdi affirmed that “organizing the 19th Algiers International Award of Holy Qur'an Recitation is part of Algeria’s ongoing and assiduous efforts, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, to serve the Holy Qur'an.”

The minister underscored that “special interest is given to Qur'anic education, while preserving the religious references and the components of national identity.”

In this regard, he recalled the major efforts made to establish a robust Quranic educational system, commending “the resources the Algerian State has marshaled, especially to expand the infrastructure of the religious sector, such as constructing mosques, zawiyas as well as religious centers and institutes, along with promoting religious discourse.”

The launch of this edition was held in the presence of the Advisor to the President of the Republic, in charge of Religious Affairs, Zawiyas and Qur'anic Schools, Mohamed Hassouni, the Government’s members, national bodies’ officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria.

The competition will be held from 4 to 7 February, and will wrap up with the awarding of the first three winners during an official ceremony, which will be organized on the occasion of the night of Al-Isra’ and Mi’raj (the night journey).

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