CAIRO, Oct 18 (MENA) – The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) comes after the Sharm al-Sheikh Peace Summit, Egypt’s Ambassador to Japan Ragui al-Etreby said, affirming Egypt’s deep belief in the important role of culture and peace for building a bridge for understanding among nations.
In his opening remarks during a virtual lecture delivered by Prof. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the GEM Authority, organized by the Egyptian Embassy in Tokyo, as part of ongoing preparations the opening ceremony on November 1, Etreby said the GEM project is symbol of the strategic partnership between Egypt and Japan.
The ambassador hailed the deeply rooted cultural ties biding both countries, highlighting Japan’s unique role in erecting such a unique cultural edifice, a long-standing cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s support of Egypt’s Khaled al-Enany’s election as Director-General of UNESCO in recognition of Egypt’s role in preserving world heritage.
Meanwhile, Ghoneim reviewed prominent features of the museum and its role as a global center for ancient Egyptian civilization, commending Egyptian-Japanese cooperation on restoration projects, the King Khufu II solar project, and future initiatives to promote scientific research and enhance the museum’s capabilities.
He also touched on developmental aspects of the GEM project, as well as its role in improving services and to create a unique and integrated visitor experience.
Japanese Egyptologist Sakuji Yoshimura attended the lecture, along with high-level representatives of the Japanese government, members of the project team at JICA, representatives of Japanese tourism agencies, and prominent literary and media figures. (MENA)
