Rady: Hawass is Egypt’s Global Icon; Cairo-Rome Ties Rooted in History

In a dazzling conclusion to his cultural tour of Italy, the Italian capital, Rome, hosted the world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. The high-level event, organized by the Rome Municipality in coordination with the Egyptian Embassy, reflected the deep historical and cultural ties binding Cairo and Rome.

Official Reception at Rome Municipality

The festivities commenced with an official reception, where Mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed Dr. Zahi Hawass at his office in the municipal headquarters, overlooking the historic Colosseum. The meeting, attended by the famous Italian journalist and presenter Roberto Giacobbo, discussed ways to enhance cultural cooperation.

The Mayor expressed Italy's profound appreciation for Dr. Hawass as a global icon of Egyptology.

Ambassador Bassam Rady: Hawass is a Global Face for Egypt

Following the reception, a major public lecture was held, attended by a massive crowd exceeding 500 prominent figures from Italian politics, culture, and society. The event was opened by the Egyptian Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Rady, who delivered a warm welcoming speech. Ambassador Rady emphasized that Dr. Zahi Hawass represents a "distinguished scientific and global face for Egypt," expressing his personal pride in Hawass’s international stature.

Ambassador Rady further noted that Egyptian-Italian relations transcend geography, forming extended historical bonds. He stated that both nations serve as pillars of stability and cooperation in the Mediterranean basin, highlighting that "soft power" and culture are the primary drivers of this strategic partnership.

The event was attended by the Ambassador’s wife and Dr. Rasha Saleh,Director of the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome, amidst extensive Italian and international media coverage.

Hawass Navigates the Secrets of Nefertari and Cleopatra

For his part, Dr. Zahi Hawass took the audience on a journey through time, discussing the roots of archaeological relations between the two countries. He praised the role of the explorer Belzoni, the discovery of Queen Nefertari’s tomb, and the Abu Simbel temples, while commending the efforts of Italian missions in excavation and restoration.

Dr. Hawass captivated the audience by speaking about Queen Cleopatra, asserting that the discovery of her tomb would represent an unprecedented breakthrough in bilateral relations, given her historic ties to Rome, where she lived for a year at Caesar's palace. He concluded his speech with an open invitation to the Italian people to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), describing it as the largest cultural project of the 21st century and urging Italians to be among the first to witness this magnificent edifice.