Greek President Visits Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt

On Saturday, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, along with Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and Secretary-General of the Hellenic Republic Presidency Eleni Chadjia, toured the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt.

This visit highlights the enduring cultural and historical connections between Greece and Egypt, rooted in their shared Greco-Roman heritage.

During her visit, President Sakellaropoulou was introduced to the library's diverse collections, with a focus on items from the Greco-Roman period that underscore the deep historical ties between the two civilizations. She was briefed on the Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies and the significant role of Dr. Mostafa El-Abbadi in reviving this modern iteration of the ancient library.

A key moment of the tour was the unveiling of the statue of Demetrius Phalereus, an advisor to Ptolemy I Soter and a pivotal figure in the establishment of the original Library of Alexandria. This statue, a gift from the Friends of the Greek Library, symbolizes the long-standing academic connections between Greece and Egypt. Additionally, the tour included a statue of the famous Greek poet Constantine Cavafy, enhancing the cultural link through literature.

The Greek president also explored the "Alexandria Through the Ages" exhibition and the museums dedicated to Manuscripts, Antiquities, and Sadat, further immersing herself in the rich tapestry of Alexandria's history. Before concluding her visit, President Sakellaropoulou signed the guest book, leaving a heartfelt message that reflects the strong friendship and collaboration between Greece and Egypt.