Russian Cultural Agency Honors Mohamed Sobhi for Strengthening Cultural Ties

Renowned Egyptian actor Mohamed Sobhi has received a formal letter of appreciation from Dr. Vadim Zaitchikov, the representative of the Russian Federal Agency for International Cooperation in Egypt and director of Russian cultural centers, in recognition of his message congratulating the Russian people on the centennial of Russian public diplomacy.

The letter, which expressed “deep gratitude and appreciation” from the Russian side, was delivered to Sobhi by Sherif Gad, Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian House in Cairo.

Sobhi had been scheduled to attend the centennial celebrations in Moscow after receiving an official invitation, but a sudden health issue prevented him from traveling. Instead, he sent a recorded video message extending his congratulations to **Yevgeny Primakov**, head of the Russian Federal Agency for International Cooperation, and commending Russia’s longstanding commitment to cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.

In his message, Sobhi reflected on his early connection to Russian culture, recalling his first visit to the Russian Cultural Center in Cairo at the age of 12. He spoke of how he discovered cultural activities there, and how the Russian pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair further shaped his artistic interests by offering visitors records featuring renowned Russian composers.

He also said that the Russian adaptation of Hamlet profoundly influenced him and inspired him to stage it upon graduating from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts. Over the years, Sobhi presented several works by Russian literary giants, including adaptations of The Brothers Karamazov and The Wounded by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Sobhi added that he has collaborated with Russian movement and choreography specialists in many of his theatre productions, praising their professionalism, precision, and discipline. He also highlighted Russia’s continued role in supporting Egypt, noting that Moscow contributed to the establishment of 97 major projects, including the Academy of Arts. He said that Russian academic curricula also influenced Egyptian theatre students early in their training.

He further pointed to current cooperation between the two countries, particularly the Dabaa nuclear power plant project, underscoring that cultural exchange remains the strongest bridge between nations. “Cultural exchange between peoples creates humanity,” he stated in his message.

In response, Dr. Zaitchikov renewed Russia’s invitation for Sobhi to visit Moscow and meet with leading Russian theatre figures—an opportunity he said would be invaluable for strengthening cultural relations between Egypt and Russia. The visit would also mark Sobhi’s first trip to the Russian capital.