Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt and China sign landmark agreement to protect underwater cultural heritage
Alexandria, Egypt – In a significant step to preserve human history beneath the waves, Egypt and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage.
The agreement was formalized during an official ceremony at Egypt’s historic Library of Alexandria, as part of the ongoing underwater cultural heritage events taking place from August 20–21.
The signing was attended by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, who warmly welcomed the new partnership. He described the agreement as an important move for strengthening international cooperation and sharing expertise in safeguarding underwater cultural treasures—an area where both Egypt and China hold storied pasts and rich archaeological potential.
The Memorandum was signed by Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Mr. Tang Wei, Director General of the National Center of Archaeology of the People’s Republic of China.
Dr. Khaled stated that the new agreement aims to foster comprehensive collaboration in areas such as maritime archaeology, the protection of submerged cultural sites, joint research, cultural exchange, and educational programs for experts in both countries.
Mr. Tang Wei expressed his happiness with the partnership, calling it a new beginning for Egyptian-Chinese cooperation in cultural heritage and an inspiring example of civilizational dialogue.
As part of this agreement, Egypt and China will establish the Egyptian-Chinese Center for Maritime Archaeology & Underwater Cultural Heritage (ECCMAUCH) in Alexandria.
This new center will feature a dedicated gallery for showcasing underwater artifacts and scientific achievements from both nations, helping to shine a spotlight on these hidden treasures. The two countries will also embark on joint scientific and research projects, organize forums and scientific events, and share information and research findings.
In addition, the partnership will include training and capacity-building programs for archaeologists and conservators, allowing experts from both nations to benefit from each other’s experience. Plans are also underway for collaborative temporary exhibitions, which will display artifacts recovered from underwater excavations, as well as exciting findings from recent archaeological missions in both Egypt and China.
Following the signing, an international conference on underwater heritage kicked off, featuring lectures and panel discussions about the management of submerged sites, highlights from underwater archaeology at Abu Qir, and the crucial role of media in raising awareness about underwater cultural heritage.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities expressed hope that this partnership will open a new chapter of collaboration—not only protecting shared heritage but also enriching global understanding of our sunken past.