Friday 28 Feb
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and Fumio Iwai, Japanese Ambassador to Egypt, witnessed the signing of an executive agreement for a grant project to enhance the equipment of the National Cultural Center, the "Egypt Opera House.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Lamia Zayed, President of the Egyptian Opera House, and Kato Ken, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Egypt. The grant, valued at 180 million Japanese Yen (approximately 1.17 million US dollars), will be used to improve the Opera House's infrastructure and increase the efficiency of its theaters.
Specifically, the project will
focus on developing new equipment, enhancing services, and upgrading the main
theater's auditorium.
The Minister of Culture
emphasized that the Japanese grant for this project will be used to upgrade
equipment at the Egyptian National Cultural Center and the Egyptian Opera
House. He highlighted this project as a crucial step forward in our ongoing
efforts to enrich Egypt's cultural landscape by fostering an environment that
nurtures creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
He further stated that the
Egyptian Opera House has consistently served as a beacon of artistic
excellence, providing a stage for both local and international artists. Beyond
its role as a national cultural center, the Opera House also embodies the
strong cultural ties between Egypt and Japan.
He concluded by emphasizing that
the grant agreement signifies the continued collaborative spirit between Egypt
and its partners, whose support is essential for the successful realization of
this endeavor.
Dr. Hanno highlighted that this
project contributes to preserving our rich cultural heritage while embracing
the future through modern tools and technologies that support innovation in the
arts. He expressed gratitude to all partners for their contributions and
affirmed the continuation of efforts to foster a thriving cultural system that
not only honors the past but also confidently embraces the future with hope and
determination.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized
that today's celebration marks a significant milestone in the enduring
partnership with Japan, a relationship forged in 1954 that has flourished over
decades built upon mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a steadfast
commitment to sustainable development and cultural exchange. She highlighted
Japan's pivotal role in the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a
cultural landmark for both Egypt and the world.
The Minister explained that the
Egyptian-Japanese partnership is characterized by a diverse range of
cooperative endeavors, resulting in tangible achievements across numerous
sectors. The "Egyptian-Japanese Cooperation Portfolio" underscores
the strong alignment between Egypt's Vision 2030 and the Government's Work
Program (2024-2027) with Japan's development priorities.
She affirmed that over seven
decades, Japan has consistently provided exceptional support to Egypt through
its development cooperation initiatives. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry
of Planning and Economic Development has diligently worked to strengthen and
broaden this partnership. Her visit to Japan in December served as a testament
to the robust bilateral relations, culminating in the signing of three
memoranda of understanding with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Fuji
Hisayuki, including a crucial grant agreement for the development of the
National Cultural Center.
She emphasized the significance
of this agreement in enhancing the operational efficiency of the Egyptian Opera
House while upholding its esteemed position as a beacon of arts, music,
thought, and knowledge. Furthermore, the agreement equips the National Cultural
Center with modern systems, solidifying its status as a preeminent cultural and
artistic institution in the Middle East and Africa.
For his part, the Japanese
Ambassador stated that today's agreement marks a continuation of the Japanese
government's commitment to developing the Egyptian Opera House, deepening the
strong ties between Egypt and Japan, and strengthening the strategic
partnership between the two nations across various development sectors.
The JICA representative expressed his delight at signing this agreement, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of Egyptian-Japanese development cooperation and serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between our two nations. He extended his gratitude to Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, for her instrumental role in finalizing this agreement, which underscores JICA's commitment to fostering culture, creativity, arts, and education as vital pillars of development.
