Egypt and the UAE Sign Memorandum of Understanding in the Cultural Field
Egyptian and Emirati Ministers of Culture Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Cultural Cooperation
Cairo witnessed today at the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum and its grounds the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for cultural cooperation between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
The memorandum was signed by Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henou, Egyptian Minister of Culture, and His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture, in an atmosphere reflecting the deep fraternal relations and historical ties that bind the two brotherly countries. The memorandum aims to enhance cooperation in various cultural, artistic, and creative fields.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henou emphasized that the signing of this memorandum embodies the strong relations between the two countries and stems from the Egyptian state's vision of strengthening cultural cooperation with its Arab brethren.
He explained that the memorandum represents a practical model for utilizing culture to build bridges of communication and rapprochement between peoples, praising its provisions which reflect a genuine political will to support cultural and creative industries, protect heritage, and empower talented individuals, thus contributing to achieving sustainable cultural development.
The Depth of Egyptian-Emirati Relations
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture, expressed his pride in the cultural and historical ties between the two countries, emphasizing the depth of Egyptian-Emirati relations and noting that cooperation with its cultural institutions opens broad horizons for integration and joint action. He pointed out that the memorandum reinforces the path of Arab cooperation in the fields of arts and heritage, expressing his country's aspiration to implement joint programs and projects that enhance the cultural presence of both countries on the regional and international stages.
The memorandum of understanding included several provisions aimed at strengthening cooperation in cultural, artistic, heritage, and creative industries, as well as supporting talented individuals. It also encouraged the exchange of visits at both the ministerial and technical levels between officials, experts, and cultural and artistic policymakers, and the sharing of expertise in the fields of heritage, arts, cultural and creative industries, and libraries.
The memorandum further stipulated the organization of joint workshops and training programs related to activating international agreements on safeguarding cultural heritage and raising awareness of its importance. It also included the exchange of experts, researchers, and specialists in the fields of arts, heritage, libraries, and cultural and creative industries through diplomatic channels.
Cooperation between Egypt and the UAE within the Framework of International Cultural Organizations
The memorandum also encourages cooperation between the two sides within the framework of international cultural organizations, including UNESCO, ALECSO, and ISESCO.
It further promotes the organization of programs for the exchange of intellectuals, writers, and artists, encourages mutual participation in international cultural festivals and exhibitions, and holds specialized seminars and conferences to study issues of heritage protection and raise awareness of its cultural value.
The memorandum also focused on cooperation in the fields of publishing, translation, and visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and traditional crafts, in addition to the exchange of bibliographic information and audio and video recordings related to culture.
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights and Encouragement of the Exchange of Expertise
Within the memorandum, both parties emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and encouraging the exchange of expertise in this field, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements signed by both sides. They also stressed the importance of joint coordination in organizing cultural activities of mutual interest, in line with the legal frameworks adopted in both countries.
At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the two ministers expressed their pride in the spirit of brotherhood that governs relations between the two countries, affirming that the memorandum represents a new step towards greater cultural and artistic cooperation between Egypt and the UAE.
It establishes an effective partnership that elevates the value of creativity and identity and contributes to shaping a shared Arab cultural future. Following the signing, the Egyptian Minister of Culture accompanied his Emirati counterpart on a tour of the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum and its grounds, where they viewed some of its world-class art collections that embody Egypt's leading role in preserving human heritage and fine art.
Leaders from the Egyptian and Emirati Ministries of Culture
The signing ceremony was attended by several leaders from the Egyptian and Emirati Ministries of Culture, including:
Dr. Walid Qanoush, Head of the Fine Arts Sector; Ambassador Omar Selim, Advisor to the Minister of Culture for Foreign Relations; Mr. Ahmed Saudi, Head of the Central Administration for the Minister of Culture's Office; Ms. Radwa Hashem, Media Advisor to the Ministry of Culture; Mr. Saqr Bakheet Al Menhali, Director of the Office of the Emirati Minister of Culture; Ms. Aisha Tayeb Kamali, Cultural Advisor; Mr. Nader from the Protocol Department of the Emirati Ministry of Culture; and Mr. Omar, representative of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanying the Emirati delegation.
The Emirati delegation's visit to Egypt coincides with their participation in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world's most prominent cultural landmarks, reflecting the depth of cooperation between the two countries in the cultural, heritage, and civilizational fields.
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