Egypt's Minister of Culture Ines Abdel-Dayem held a meeting with renowned singer Mohamed Mounir yesterday to discuss new artistic projects.

The discussion aimed to study the implementation of these projects and to assure of the ministry's readiness to return to cultural activities.

In an official press release, Abdel-Dayem stressed the importance of culture as a soft power that can contribute to the welfare of the country.

Mounir said that art is a way to express and promote the spirit of belonging to the homeland. 

The discussions pointed to the importance of investing the energy of young people to the cultural development, especially during the summer months.

No details regarding when activities will resume have been released. 

Dubbed "The King" by his fans, Mounir is best known for many compositions inspired by Nubian folklore, though he also has a large pop repertoire.

Since the onset of his career in the 1970s, Mounir has collaborated with many renowned poets (including Salah Jahin, Fouad Haddad, and Sayed Hegab) and musicians, joining on stage the likes of Fathy Salama, Yehia Khalil, and Hani Shenouda.

Mounir's very unique vocal timbre and colour paved his way to fame, becoming one of the most beloved musicians in the Arab world.

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