NMEC Celebrates the First International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations

Under the theme “Dialogue and Communication: Music Connects the World,” the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) celebrated the First International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Cairo.

The event featured a rich cultural and artistic program aimed at highlighting the value of diversity in building a more harmonious world. Dr. Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the NMEC, welcomed attendees with a heartfelt speech, expressing pride in the museum's continued success and its vital role in fostering cultural exchange. He emphasized the importance of art and music as bridges for communication and understanding between peoples and confirmed that NMEC has become an international platform for cultural interaction through its partnerships with embassies and diplomatic institutions.

The celebration included a video address by *Mr. Wang Yi*, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who underscored that world civilizations complement and inspire one another. He stressed the vital need for interaction among cultures, describing dialogue between civilizations as a *“bond of peace, driver of development, and bridge of friendship.”*

*Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Liao Liqiang*, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to organize the event, praising the fruitful partnership between the embassy and the museum. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in introducing the Egyptian public to Chinese art and culture while deepening mutual understanding between the two nations.

The program also included a series of captivating musical and artistic performances inspired by both Egyptian and Chinese heritage. Esteemed Chinese musicians performed traditional pieces using classic string instruments, while the *Living Fossils* dance troupe presented a fusion of heritage and contemporary Chinese art.

Adding to the cross-cultural celebration, Egypt’s *Nile Folk Music and Singing Ensemble*, under the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, performed a vibrant selection of traditional Egyptian folk songs accompanied by authentic instruments such as the *mizmar*, *tabla*, *sagat*, and *arghoul*.

The event was attended by numerous public figures, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, including *Dr. Essam Sharaf*, former Prime Minister of Egypt; *Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim*, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum; *Ambassador Liao Liqiang*; *Mr. Zhang Yi*, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center and Cultural & Tourism Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Cairo; along with several foreign ambassadors based in Egypt. Attendees praised the event’s organization and its refined cultural content.

It is worth noting that the *International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations*, observed annually on *June 10*, was officially designated during the *78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in June 2024*. The day aims to promote mutual respect, intercultural dialogue, and global solidarity—highlighting diversity as a strength in building a more harmonious world.

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