Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and China sign major cultural heritage co-operation agreement
Chongqing - In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration in cultural preservation, the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt and the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China signed a landmark cooperation agreement today in Chongqing, China.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Mr. Rao Quan, China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
The ceremony also witnessed the signing of a joint statement regarding cooperation within the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation—a major international partnership launched by China in 2023 to strengthen protection of both tangible and intangible heritage across Asia. The initiative brings together Asian nations to exchange expertise, support joint research, and host regular forums and conferences to build effective cross-border partnerships. Egypt joined the initiative as a partner country earlier this year.
Senior officials in attendance included China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Mayor of Chongqing, and ministers from other Asian nations participating in the initiative.
During his speech, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled expressed deep appreciation for the growing collaboration between Egypt and China in archaeological work and cultural heritage preservation, noting the remarkable increase in joint projects in recent years. He also emphasized his hope to further expand cooperation, reflecting the deep bonds between two of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Key terms of the agreement include:
- Promoting and supporting joint nominations and preservation of World Cultural Heritage sites under UNESCO.
- Exchanging expertise in archaeology, conservation, restoration, site management, monitoring, sustainable development, and addressing the effects of climate change on heritage sites.
- Facilitating regular scientific visits and exchanges between Egyptian and Chinese researchers and specialists.
- Implementing joint training programs and supporting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
- Enhancing scientific cooperation and hosting joint exhibitions between museums in China and Egypt.
A joint task force of Egyptian and Chinese experts will be established to oversee and implement the agreed projects and programs.
Further, the joint statement—signed as part of the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation—commits both countries to strengthening their joint efforts against illicit trafficking in cultural property, establishing collaborative networks to recover stolen artefacts, and enhancing mutual benefit from the exchange of experience in managing and monitoring world heritage sites.
This agreement marks a new chapter in Egypt-China relations, as the two nations work together to safeguard the cultural heritage that forms a vital part of humanity’s shared history.