In Pics: Immigration Minister Receives Heroine Manal Rostom

Nabila Makram, Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates, received Manal Rostom, the first Egyptian girl to climb to the top of the Mount Everest, the highest mountains in the world, at an altitude of about 9,000 meters.

The Minister affirmed her support for Egyptian girls abroad, stressing that "the success of our daughters confirms the efforts of the political leadership to empower women in various fields, without discrimination on any basis."

Makram also praised Rostom's heroic work, the hard training that preceded it, and preparations for the success of the mission, to become the first Egyptian girl to reach the highest summit in the world, appreciating her hoisting the Egyptian flag and chanting the phrase "Long live Egypt."

She added that sports represent one of the soft powers that should be invested in, as it can promote Egypt in many forums, following up that Egyptian girls are able to conquer the most difficult circumstances and achieve success amidst extreme hardships with their determination.

On her part, Rostom explained that the road was not easy, as the idea took years to be implemented and to practice athletics, running and other games, in addition to many international marathons, during the stay in the United Arab Emirates.

In the meantime, she noted that the ascent to Everest was preceded by the ascent of many mountains, in Africa and Europe, including the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the summit of Mount Kenya, as well as the summit of Mount Alice in Russia, and the summit of Mount Bleu in France in 2018.

Rostom manifested that the climb to Everest took about two weeks, and her dream was to climb to more mountain tops, noting that she had succeeded in changing the stereotype about veiled women, to become the first ambassador of the "NIKE" company with the veil.