BA Director Receives Japanese Ambassador to Strengthen Ties of Cooperation
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Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, received Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Cairo, during a visit aimed at strengthening ties of cultural cooperation between the two sides.
Dr. Zayed welcomed the Ambassador and his accompanying delegation, noting the long-standing cooperative relations between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Japan, represented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) regarding cultural and technological projects, and looking forward to extending collaboration opportunities, particularly with the Children’s Library.
He also pointed out that Egypt and Japan are united by historical ties and a strategic partnership at the economic and development levels, and that Egypt can benefit from Japan’s experience in light of the ambitious development plan being implemented by the Egyptian State under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, stressing that Japanese culture is rich, combining inherited traditions with modernity.
Mr. Fumio Iwai, meanwhile, expressed his delight at visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stating that Egypt holds a special place in his heart as he began his diplomatic career by studying Arabic in Cairo. He also highlighted the ongoing cooperation with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the latest of which was the display of the world’s largest painted mural at the Library’s Plaza, with the participation of children from Japan and students from Egyptian-Japanese schools.
Dr. Zayed presented the Ambassador with a copy of The Photographic Memory of Cairo and a book in English on the history of the reconstruction of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
At the end of his visit, the Ambassador and his accompanying delegation toured the Library’s main reading area, learned about the digital and technological projects it offers, and visited its exhibitions and museums as well as its Culturama Hall.