Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, received Dr. Lina Mendoni, the Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, and her accompanying delegation today at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The meeting took place during her current official visit to Egypt, in the presence of H.E. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, the Ambassador of Greece to Cairo.
Strengthening Bilateral Heritage Ties
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two ministries in the field of archaeology and discussing mechanisms to bolster bilateral partnerships regarding the preservation and protection of cultural heritage.
Minister Fathy commenced the meeting by welcoming his Greek counterpart, expressing his appreciation for the warm hospitality he received during his recent visit to Athens for the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum. He praised the productive discussions and the exchange of visions among member states, which contribute significantly to the protection of global cultural heritage.
The Minister emphasized the profound historical ties between Egypt and Greece, noting that these long-standing relations serve as a solid foundation for advancing joint cooperation, particularly in heritage and antiquities.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The two parties discussed several strategic proposals and initiatives:
Joint Working Group: A proposal to form a joint team comprising the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the relevant archaeological departments in the Greek Ministry of Culture to collaborate on archaeological excavations and exchange expertise.
Museum Management: Leveraging Egypt’s pioneering experience in establishing and managing major museums—specifically the Grand Egyptian Museum—to support the development of the National Museum in Greece.
Combating Illicit Trafficking: Strengthening coordination to combat the illegal trade of cultural property and enhancing joint efforts to repatriate antiquities smuggled out of both countries.
Athens Declaration 2025: Implementing the recommendations of the "Athens Declaration 2025" issued during the Ancient Civilizations Forum hosted by Greece last December.
Field Tours: GEM and Giza Pyramids
Following the discussions, Dr. Lina Mendoni and her delegation toured the Grand Egyptian Museum, visiting the Grand Staircase, the main galleries, and the Tutankhamun halls. Minister Fathy also accompanied the Greek delegation on a visit to the Giza Pyramids plateau.
High-Level Attendance
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides:
From the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities:
Dr. Hisham el-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Ms. Rana Gohar, Advisor to the Minister for Communications and Foreign Relations.
Dr. Hany el-Tayeb, General Supervisor of the Permanent Committees and Archaeological Missions.
Mr. Ashraf Mohie, Director General of the Giza Plateau.
From the Greek Ministry of Culture:
Dr. Anna Panagiotarea, Political Advisor.
Ms. Olympia Vikatou, Director General of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. Mr. Vasileios Xiros, Diplomatic Advisor.
Ms. Eirini Staikopoulou, Media Officer.
Mr. Athanasios Leousis, First Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Greek Embassy.
Mr. Ioannis Melachrinoudis, Attaché at the Embassy.
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