Minister of Culture Meets Russian Counterpart in Kazan to Bolster Cultural Cooperation

Dr. Gihan Zaki, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, held a bilateral meeting with Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Minister of Culture, on the sidelines of the 14th Meeting of OIC Culture Ministers held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The two ministers reviewed existing cultural ties and explored avenues for further growth. Minister Lyubimova expressed Russia's keen interest in participating in major Egyptian cultural events, including international book fairs and film festivals, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship and the global prestige of Egypt’s cultural landscape.

Dr. Gihan Zaki emphasized her commitment to participating in the Kazan Forum, noting that Tatarstan’s capital serves as a premier model for peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity. She highlighted that Kazan’s selection as the Capital of Islamic Culture for the current year is a testament to its vast artistic and civilizational heritage.

During the discussions, Dr. Zaki pointed out the importance of drawing on Russian expertise in specialized fields, such as the restoration of diverse artworks and the training of Egyptian technical cadres. She stressed that intensifying cultural exchange is vital to deepening the civilizational bridge between the two friendly nations.

For her part, Minister Lyubimova thanked Dr. Zaki for her presence at the ministerial meeting despite current geopolitical challenges. She revealed that the prestigious Pushkin Museum is eager to collaborate with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture to organize a dedicated exhibition of Coptic Art in Russia. Furthermore, she expressed interest in fostering partnerships with Egyptian modern art institutions, specifically the Mahmoud Khalil Museum—a proposal warmly welcomed by Dr. Zaki.

The meeting concluded with an invitation from the Russian side for Dr. Zaki to attend the International United Cultures Forum in Saint Petersburg this September. In return, Dr. Zaki invited Minister Lyubimova to visit Egypt soon. The Russian Minister accepted the invitation, expressing her high regard for Russia’s anticipated participation in the historic grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).