Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy met Ruben Harutunian, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Cairo, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of his assuming his new post, where ways of strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries in tourism and antiquities were discussed.
The meeting reviewed the numbers of tourists arriving in Egypt from the United States and ways to support and grow them, especially in light of the diversity and development of the Egyptian destination's tourism products and types.
The meeting also reviewed the restoration project of the Dome of Sultan Qaitbay in the Mamluk Desert in Historic Cairo, which has been completed in cooperation between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the US Embassy in Cairo, and the timing of the dome's opening was discussed. The project is a successful model of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding archaeological sites of outstanding historical value.
Opportunities for cooperation in implementing a number of additional restoration projects at archaeological sites in Historic Cairo, especially in the Gamaliya district, were also discussed, along with developing and upgrading the services provided there, helping to improve the visitor experience and make the most of these sites.
The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in training and capacity building, supporting the workforce in the tourism and antiquities sectors and contributing to the exchange of expertise in line with international best practices.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Rana Gohar, the minister's advisor for communication and external relations and general supervisor of the General Department of International Relations and Agreements.
