The speech of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, during inauguration of three new museums.
Dr. Khaled El
Enany, said in his word that today is an exceptional day in the history of
Egyptian tourism and antiquities, as 3 important museums are opened in the
governorates of Sharm El-Sheikh, Kafr El-Sheikh and Cairo, at a cost of nearly
one billion pounds. During the speech,
the minister implored the state’s efforts in museum projects, development and
restoration of archaeological sites and archaeological work in Egypt. In
addition to that, he presented the work progress of the three museums that were
inaugurated today. He pointed out
that the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum is the first museum of antiquities in the
picturesque coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh. He added that work started in it
in 2003 and then stopped in 2011. He said that Kafr El-Sheikh Museum too, is the first museum of antiquities in
the ancient governorate of Kafr El Sheikh.
Stating the work started in it in
2002 and then stopped in 2011. He talked about
the opening of the restoration and development project of the Royal Carriages
Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in the world and one of the most
important carriage museums in the world. He said that its restoration and
development project started back in 2002 and that it stopped in 2011. The Minister said
that work was resumed in the three museums due to the directives of His
Excellency the President, after it was halted for years since 2011. He added the HE the President directed the
government to give all projects of maintenance, restoration, preservation and
protection of Egyptian monuments, in addition to the development and
establishment of major and regional museums utmost importance.
He explained that
today’s openings show the political and financial support the political
leadership gives to preserving the heritage and antiquities of Egypt; and to
building and developing museums. He said that the
resumption of work in all antiquities and museum projects, that have been
suspended for years, contributes to providing a diverse tourism infrastructure
in all governorates. In addition to that it creates new tourist attractions and
offerings. Those diversified offerings cater the various interests of tourists.
He added that Sharm El Sheikh Museum and Hurghada Museum, both offer visitors
and tourists a unique experience and an opportunity to enjoy Egypt’s beautiful
beaches and at the same time learn about the ancient Egyptian civilization; mixing
leisure and culture.
The minister
concluded his speech by reiterating that the museums that were opened today,
will contribute to increasing the tourism in addition to archaeological
awareness of Egyptians, especially children and youth, to get to know the rich
and unique civilization of their country. After the opening
of the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum, the Minister took a memorial photo with all the
museum employees in appreciation of their relentless efforts to carry through
work in the the museum until its official opening today.