Saturday, 18 July 2026
Cairo hosts Egypt‑Uzbekistan cultural dialogue
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Saturday took part in an event titled “Egypt–Uzbekistan: Dialogue of Civilizations and Heritage,” hosted by the Uzbek Embassy at the Grand Egyptian Museum, the ministry said in a statement.
The gathering was attended by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Grand Egyptian Museum CEO Ahmed Ghoneim, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Cairo Mansurbek Kilichev, senior Egyptian cultural officials, and the director of Uzbekistan’s Center for Islamic Civilization.
Fathy welcomed guests and recalled his visit to Uzbekistan, praising the country’s ancient cities and cultural richness. He said Egypt and Uzbekistan share deep historical and civilizational roots that have shaped education, culture, science and intellectual life across the Islamic world.
He noted that scholarly exchange and the movement of manuscripts connected both peoples long before the establishment of modern diplomatic ties. Egypt, alongside the historic region of Transoxiana—home to Samarkand and Bukhara—served as a major intellectual center that influenced generations of thinkers, he said.
Fathy added that bilateral relations have gained momentum in recent years, supported by the political leadership of both countries, resulting in multiple cooperation agreements and high‑level visits by the two presidents. He also congratulated Uzbekistan on the opening of its Center for Islamic Civilization in March, saying it would encourage more visitors to the country.
Uzbek Foreign Minister Saidov praised Egypt’s historic role as a leading cultural and intellectual hub in the Islamic world. He described the Grand Egyptian Museum as a symbol of humanity’s commitment to preserving global heritage, and thanked Egypt for its hospitality and for hosting Uzbekistan’s cultural initiative.
Saidov highlighted centuries of intellectual exchange between the two nations and presented the mission of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which aims to preserve Islamic intellectual heritage, promote research and education, and foster international cultural cooperation. He expressed hope for deeper partnerships with Egyptian institutions, museums and research centers.
The event featured documentary films on the historic ties between Egypt and Uzbekistan, along with an exchange of commemorative gifts. Organizers also presented details about the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which recently entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest museum dedicated to Islamic civilization.