The minister’s remarks came during a press conference held on Tuesday where Cairo was announced as next year’s cultural capital for Islamic world countries.

Abdel-Dayem said Cairo is a city of diversity and cultural richness reflecting many of the salient features of human civilisation in general and the Islamic civilisation in particular, as it has always been a meeting-point of civilisations, old and modern, and a unique centre of art, intellect, and creativity.

Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) Salim bin Mohammad Al-Malik participated in the gathering that took place in the Cairo Opera House’s Small Hall to elaborate on the details marking the start of the festivity.

The event’s numerous cultural activities are all dedicated to present a true image of Islamic culture, advancing the values of co-existence and tolerance as well as promoting interaction among Islamic countries, the minister said.

She further lauded the ICESCO’s role in support of the celebration, noting that all included programmes will start in February.

The agenda contains 50 cultural events covering multilateral aspects featuring Egyptian culture and tradition, Abdel-Dayem said.

The practice of choosing a capital of Islamic culture strengthens ties among peoples, initiates a creative dialogue among them, encourages intellectual communication among the citizens of Islamic nations, capitalises on the shared rich Islamic heritage, promotes tolerance and coexistence, and offers a factual image of the ancient Islamic civilisation.