President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi Welcomes Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Board of Trustees at Alexandria University
His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, received today the Board of Trustees of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which includes an elite group of prominent Egyptian and international figures, including Dr. Magdi Yacoub, Dr. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, former Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mrs. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Mr. Miguel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations at the United Nations, Dr. Mohamed bin Issa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture of Morocco, Sheikha Mai bint Mohamed Al Khalifa, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Centre in Bahrain, Ms. Amina Mohamed, former Minister of Culture of Kenya, Ms. Samia Nkrumah, Dr. Mofid Shehab, Engineer Hani Azer, and Mr. Mohamed Salmawi, President of the Egyptian Writers Union. The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Nevin El-Kilani, Minister of Culture, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Mohamed El-Sherif, Governor of Alexandria, Professor Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, and Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
During the meeting, President El-Sisi welcomed the members of the Board of Trustees, stressing the importance of the valuable role played by the Library of Alexandria in disseminating and deepening knowledge and science, as well as encouraging reading, research and cultural work, in a way that supports dialogue between civilizations and deepens common understanding and coexistence among peoples. He noted that realizing the importance and richness of diversity Human rights, and devoting the principles of citizenship, is the basis for protecting the societal fabric, stressing the need for the library to complete the mission that Egypt performs in building bridges between cultures, and in establishing peace and development.
Mr. President also stressed the state’s keenness for the library to provide innovative ideas and activities, work to deepen scientific and cultural interests among young people, and contribute practically to qualifying them to assume the responsibilities of the future, by simplifying science using innovative technological methods, and supporting the culture of creativity and innovation at the scientific level. technical and artistic fields, discovering talented children and youth, as well as creating knowledge and deepening the relationship between scientific research and technical development, with a focus on consolidating the Egyptian identity through various library programmes, indicating the state’s keenness to provide full support for all cultural projects aimed at innovative and effective visions to support young people and adolescents.
On their part, the members of the Board of Trustees appreciated the continuous support they receive from the state to ensure that the library fulfils its historical cultural role, praising the interest that Mr. President personally gives to the work of the library. In this context, they presented their visions regarding the various roles that the library can play, to achieve its goals as Egypt’s gateway to the world and the world’s window on Egypt, its rich culture, and its extended history.
The meeting also witnessed an open discussion about the international and regional situation, where the Board of Trustees praised the pivotal role played by Egypt to restore stability in the region, end the war in Gaza and bring humanitarian aid to the residents of the Strip. For his part, Mr. President affirmed Egypt’s keenness to stop the bloodshed in the Strip, and the continued positive contribution. In advancing efforts to resolve crises in the region, stressing that consolidating a culture of peace is an essential element for a more stable and secure future for the region and the world.