Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and Uzbekistan strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, warmly welcomed Ms. Gayana Umirbayeva, Head of Creative Economy and Tourism at the Presidency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Uzbek Fund for the Development of Culture and Arts, during her official visit to Egypt this week.
The meeting, which took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Capital, focused on deepening collaborative ties between Egypt and Uzbekistan, particularly in the fields of archaeology, museum work, and cultural exchange.
During the heartfelt discussion, both sides explored opportunities for organizing a temporary exhibition of Egyptian antiquities in Uzbekistan—a step that promises to further cultural understanding and foster friendship between the two nations. The ministers also discussed joint efforts to repatriate artifacts that have left their countries through illicit means, affirming shared values in protecting and celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
Mr. Fathy highlighted the strong, longstanding friendship between Egypt and Uzbekistan. He reflected on his meeting last October with the Chairman of the Uzbek Tourism Authority at the World Tourism Forum in Brussels, where they discussed innovative ways to boost bilateral tourism and promote their respective destinations to the world.
Ms. Umirbayeva expressed Uzbekistan’s eagerness to increase tourist exchange with Egypt and commended Egypt’s remarkable progress in tourism and cultural development. She congratulated the Minister on the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum—an event of global significance—and conveyed her country’s interest in benefiting from Egypt’s expertise in museum management and artifact repatriation, especially as Uzbekistan prepares to inaugurate a new museum of antiquities.
The Egyptian Minister shared details of successful international exhibitions held in Hong Kong, Japan, and Rome, showcasing Egypt’s ancient heritage and attracting global audiences. He also discussed ongoing plans to upgrade archaeological storage facilities across Egypt, ensuring the preservation of priceless artifacts according to the highest international standards.
Both parties warmly embraced the idea of greater technical cooperation and knowledge exchange. Mr. Fathy reaffirmed Egypt’s determination to take all legal and diplomatic measures necessary to recover artifacts removed unlawfully from the country.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Mansurbek Kilichev, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ms. Rana Gowhar, Minister’s Advisor for Communication and International Relations, and Mr. Ahmed Nabil, Assistant Minister for Aviation and Follow-Up.
This landmark meeting reaffirms the spirit of friendship and collaboration between Egypt and Uzbekistan, marking a new chapter in their shared commitment to safeguarding heritage and promoting cultural tourism.