Dr. Jihan Zaki, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, held an expansive meeting with her Greek counterpart, Ms. Lina Mendoni, and an accompanying delegation during their official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt. The discussions focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation across cultural, artistic, and heritage sectors.
A Historic Partnership
Opening the session, Dr. Jihan Zaki expressed her pleasure that her first official international meeting since assuming office was with the Greek delegation. She emphasized the profound historical and civilizational bonds shared by the two Mediterranean nations, describing the sea as a bridge that unites two ancient cultures with a shared legacy of creativity and values.
The Minister highlighted the importance of activating existing protocols and outlined her vision for future collaboration with the European Union through the "Mediterranean Charter." This regional framework aims to enhance cooperation in intangible cultural heritage, fine arts, cinema, and theater, fostering cultural dialogue and elevating the global presence of both Egyptian and Greek creativity.
Future Projects: Opera, Heritage, and Cavafy
Minister Lina Mendoni reciprocated the sentiment, expressing her deep appreciation for Egypt’s civilizational status and Greece’s eagerness to evolve its cultural partnership with Cairo.
The meeting outlined several strategic initiatives:
Shared Heritage: Collaborating on the registration of joint elements of intangible cultural heritage.
Modern Opera: Exploring the launch of a contemporary opera featuring artists and musicians from both nations.
Literary Legacy: Documenting the heritage of the renowned Greek poet Constantine Cavafy and enhancing mutual translation projects.
Capacity Building: Exchanging experts and organizing training workshops to support joint cultural exhibitions.
Cultural Weeks: Organizing an "Egyptian-Greek Cultural Week" to celebrate the shared artistic and civilizational identity of both peoples.
Diplomatic Exchange
The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, symbolizing the depth of the cultural ties.
The session was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including Amr Bassyouni, Permanent Undersecretary of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture; Ambassador Nikolaos Papageorgiou, the Greek Ambassador to Cairo; and senior advisors specializing in international cultural relations, investment, and heritage from both ministries.
Follow the latest news on Google News
