Monday, 25 May 2026
Photo by The Nile Observer
Where ancient civilizations meet: A night of Egyptian-Chinese harmony at Cairo’s NMEC
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) recently offered a dazzling glimpse into the magic that happens when two of the world’s oldest cultures come together—through music.
On a balmy evening, the museum’s grand halls were alive with the sounds of Egypt and China, as musicians from both nations joined forces for an unforgettable concert: “Conversation and Connection: Music Connects the World.”
This special event, co-hosted by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Cairo, was more than just a performance; it was a living celebration of shared heritage, mutual respect, and the universal language of music.
A meeting of millennia
Dr. Eltayb Abbas, CEO of the NMEC, set the tone for the evening by reflecting on the deep, ancient ties between Egypt and China. “Music is one of the most essential threads in the fabric of any civilization,” he told the audience.
“It’s every person’s right, no matter where they are, to connect through the universal language of music.”
For visitors, this was a powerful reminder that Egypt’s treasures aren’t just ancient artifacts—they’re also living traditions that continue to inspire and connect people across the world.
Chinese Ambassador Liao Liqiang echoed this spirit of unity, highlighting both countries’ roles as “proud standard-bearers of civilisation.” He observed, “Both China and Egypt are ancient civilisations that call for respecting the diversity of world cultures and upholding the shared values of all humanity.”
He continued, referencing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “Global Civilisation Initiative,” which he described as “a sincere call to the world to strengthen communication and mutual learning among civilisations, and to promote the advancement of human civilisation in a profound way—a vision that has been positively received by the international community.”
Ambassador Liao noted that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi shares this outlook, recently affirming that “civilisations are meant to complement and harmonize for the benefit of humanity, not to clash or create more wars and conflicts.”
Thanks to the strategic leadership of both presidents, Liao said, “our two countries, through intensive cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, have become a model for mutual learning between world civilisations. The historic friendship between our peoples only grows stronger with time.”
He also praised Egypt’s role as a core member in drafting the UN resolution establishing the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations, and highlighted the Arab League’s active support for the Global Civilisation Initiative and its cooperation with China in launching the China-Arab Centre for the Global Civilisation Initiative—an effort that has recently achieved significant progress. “These accomplishments are a testament to the successful collaboration between China, Egypt, and Arab countries in implementing the Initiative, and will make important contributions to fostering dialogue between civilisations and promoting peace and development worldwide,” he said.
Ambassador Liao concluded by emphasising the unique role of music in this context: “Music is an art that transcends language. It is a vital medium for deepening cultural exchange and dialogue between civilisations. Today, as we celebrate the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations through musical conversation between our two nations, we are confident that such events will continually inject new vitality into both the Chinese and Egyptian civilisations through ongoing interaction and mutual enrichment.”
A feast for the senses
The concert itself was a sensory journey, blending the haunting melodies of traditional Chinese instruments with the vibrant rhythms of Egyptian music. Performers transported the audience from the banks of the Nile to the Great Wall, weaving together ancient sounds and modern arrangements. The highlight for many was the spellbinding Egyptian tannoura dance—a whirl of color and movement that left the crowd cheering.
On the sidelines, guests were invited to explore Chinese culture firsthand, with interactive displays, crafts, and delicious teas courtesy of the Chinese Cultural Centre. It was a perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in both Egyptian and Chinese traditions—all under one spectacular roof.