The reception was attended by a large number of senior
Japanese officials and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Iwamoto, along with leaders from
the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), academics, diplomats, media
representatives, senior directors of Japanese museums, and representatives from
Japanese tourism companies. The festive atmosphere reflected the deep
friendship between the two countries and their shared vision for preserving
human heritage.
The reception also followed a virtual lecture organized by
the embassy featuring Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the GEM Authority, on October
17.
In his remarks on this occasion, Ambassador Ragy El Etreby
expressed his sincere appreciation for the support of the Government of Japan
and JICA. He added that Japan was the only country represented by four high-level
delegations at the official opening ceremony, including Her Imperial Highness
Princess Akiko, Ayano Kunimitsu State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Special
Envoy of the Prime Minister, Yuriko Koike Governor of Tokyo, and Dr. Akihiko
Tanaka President of JICA. This, he noted, reflects the depth of the special
relationship between the two countries.
For their part, Ambassador Iwamoto Vice Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Director-General of the Middle East Bureau at the Japanese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, and Yuko Mitsui Senior Vice President of JICA affirmed that
the GEM is a shared source of pride for Japan and Egypt. They noted that the
museum represents the culmination of a long journey of joint work between
Egyptian and Japanese experts. They also expressed their anticipation of
continuing close cooperation with Egypt on future cultural and development
projects, stressing that the museum will not only be an archaeological monument
but also a symbol of innovation and human partnership between East and West.