El-Enany and Prince Sultan after signing the agreement
Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany flew to Saudi Arabia to sign a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with Prince Sultan Ben Salman Abdel Aziz Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Commission of Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH).
The MOC aims to strengthen measures of joint cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the fields of archaeology, museums and architectural heritage.
El-Enany said the MOC "confirms the eagerness of the Ministry of Antiquities to cooperate with all countries involved in the field of archaeological work."
Yasmine El-Shazly, supervisor of the department of international organisations at the ministry and responsible for the international cooperation portfolio, said the MOC will significantly upgrade professional and scientific standards for employees in both the ministry and the SCTNH.
"This will come through exchanging Egypt-Saudi experiences in the fields of scientific research, surveys, archaeological excavation and the development of the cultural and educational role of museums," she added.
Lectures, seminars and workshops on antiquities, museums and architectural heritage are to be organised in both countries.
El-Shazly pointed out that regulations to combat illicit trade in antiquities are included in the MOC to ensure protection of cultural properties.
Prince Sultan Bin Salman Abdul Aziz Al-Saud expressed his pleasure to cooperate with Egypt in the field of archaeology, underlining that this cooperation agreement is one of a number between the two countries.
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