Egyptian Governor of Sohag, Major General Tarek Rashad, participated in the 7th Global Mayors' Dialogue Forum in Luoyang, Henan province, China. The forum aimed to exchange experiences and visions on the future of old cities, preserving their tangible and intangible heritage, and utilizing it to support sustainable development and improve quality of life. Rashad expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for their warm welcome and conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the people of Sohag.
The forum emphasized Egypt's appreciation for China's experience in development, particularly in industry, technology, innovation, and infrastructure. Egypt also acknowledged China's initiatives promoting international cooperation and shared development, such as the Global Civilization Initiative. This initiative highlights the importance of respecting cultural diversity and promoting dialogue and mutual learning between civilizations.
The forum aimed to open new avenues for cultural, tourism, agricultural, industrial, and commercial exchanges. It also sought to strengthen bilateral visits and cooperation in various fields. These efforts target serving the agricultural sector, expanding green spaces, and optimizing the use of tourist attractions and archaeological sites.
Sohag Governorate, with its unique cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage, is a natural partner in this global dialogue. The governorate's rich heritage spans various eras, from prehistoric times to ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and subsequent historical periods. The city of Akhmim, with its long history of textile production and handicrafts, serves as a model for integrating urban, craft, and economic heritage.
The forum highlighted Egypt's current experience in developing its historical capitals and old cities. This involves balancing the preservation of urban identity with modern development requirements and improving quality of life. Sohag Governorate seeks to benefit from this comprehensive vision by developing its historical cities, connecting them to modern road networks, and enhancing infrastructure to promote tourism and investment while preserving its historical and cultural identity.
The Egyptian delegation showcased the governorate's diverse archaeological and heritage sites, which represent different stages of human history. This includes the ancient city of Akhmim, which exemplifies the integration of urban, craft, and economic heritage. The forum recognized the importance of supporting traditional crafts as an essential part of cultural identity.
The discussions at the forum are expected to lead to new opportunities for cooperation and knowledge sharing between Egypt and China. The two countries can learn from each other's experiences in preserving historical cities and promoting sustainable development. Key points from the forum include the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting international cooperation, and balancing development with urban identity.
Key points
- Egypt and China are cooperating to develop historical cities and promote sustainable development.
- The 7th Global Mayors' Dialogue Forum aimed to exchange experiences on preserving old cities and their heritage.
- Sohag Governorate is working to develop its historical cities while preserving its cultural identity.
