Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister, Shreif Fathy, met with Yuko Mitsui, First Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in Tokyo to discuss cooperation between the two countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the TEJ2026 Japan International Tourism Exhibition. Both parties emphasized the importance of their fruitful cooperation, particularly in supporting the Grand Egyptian Museum. They highlighted that Egyptian-Japanese collaboration on the museum is a prime example of the partnership between Egypt and Japan.
During the meeting, Fathy and Mitsui stressed the need to treat the Grand Egyptian Museum as an entity with an economic nature. This approach aims to maximize the utilization of its resources and potential while enhancing its cultural and scientific roles. The discussion also focused on leveraging Japanese expertise and exchanging knowledge between Egyptian and Japanese specialists. This exchange is expected to support the development of the work system and benefit from the specialized experiences of both countries.
The meeting covered various aspects of future cooperation, including administration, training, capacity building, and scientific research. These areas of collaboration are intended to support the development of the work system in the bodies and museums affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The two parties also touched upon the importance of developing the scientific research system at the Grand Egyptian Museum. They emphasized the need to enhance the production and publication of specialized scientific studies and research.
The development of the scientific research system at the Grand Egyptian Museum is crucial in establishing it as a center for scientific research and knowledge exchange. This, in turn, is expected to attract researchers and experts from around the world. Fathy and Mitsui reviewed the current programs and projects supported by JICA. These initiatives aim to develop administrative capabilities and benefit from Japanese experiences in management and operation.
JICA continues to support the Grand Egyptian Museum through several technical assistance programs. These programs focus on developing administrative competencies and utilizing Japanese expertise in management and operation. At the end of the meeting, Mitsui congratulated the Minister and the Egyptian state on the upcoming first anniversary of the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening. She expressed JICA's commitment to ongoing support for the museum.
The meeting was attended by several officials, including Egyptian Ambassador to Japan, Ragi El-Atrabi, and Rana Gohhar, Minister's advisor for communication and external relations. Also present were Dr. Ahmed Nabil, Minister's assistant for aviation and follow-up, and Inas Taha, first secretary at the Egyptian Embassy in Japan. The cooperation between Egypt and Japan on the Grand Egyptian Museum project highlights the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to become a major cultural and scientific hub in the region. The cooperation with JICA is expected to contribute to its development and success. Key aspects of the cooperation include capacity building, scientific research, and administration. The project is a significant example of international collaboration in the field of cultural heritage preservation and museum management.
Key points
- Egypt and Japan discuss ways to enhance cooperation on the Grand Egyptian Museum project during a meeting in Tokyo.
- The two countries emphasize the importance of treating the Grand Egyptian Museum as an entity with an economic nature.
- JICA continues to support the Grand Egyptian Museum through several technical assistance programs.
