Arab Cultural Heritage: Egypt hosts conference on cultural cooperation

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In Egypt, Cairo is hosting the 21st session of the Conference of Arab Cultural Ministers. Yasser Hakim attended the opening ceremony and filed this report.

The conference has been absent from Egypt for many years. So the organisers gave a fitting welcome to the Arab ministers. On arrival, the guests were treated to several folkloric dance performances representing different regions of Egypt.

INAS ABDEL DAYEM EGYPTIAN MINISTER OF CULTURE "We are Happy to receive the Arab Culture ministers in Egypt and proud to have you here. This event marks a revival of Egypt's leading role in Arab culture."

The guests then moved into the main hall of the Cairo Opera House to enjoy classical musical performances by the Cairo orchestra Symphony. It was followed by a one hour show to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Culture in Egypt.

AHMED ABOUL GHEIT ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL "Arab Culture stands today on a critical crossroads. It faces a tough question. How can it develop itself without losing its identity and its deep-rooted history? How can it keep up with modernity without dissolving in its huge waves? It's a challenge as important as our national security."

16 out 24 Arab ministers have attended the opening ceremony.

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT "The conference itself will take place behind closed doors. Some of the main issues on the agenda are the integration of Arab culture with the rest of the world. And using culture as a tool to fight extremism in the region."

The theme this year is 'Jerusalem is Palestinian', in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

EHAB BSEISO PALESTINIAN MINISTER OF CULTURE "It is very crucial for Palestine to be part of this gathering of ministers. We here as Palestine and my capacity as Minister of culture we want to emphasize the role of culture in bridging between Politics and the future and face all our challenges with the occupation in Jerusalem and Palestine."

It was a colourful event reflecting the richness of Egyptian culture. Yasser Hakim CGTN Cairo.