Members of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association in a Ramadan iftar to boost cultural ties
The gathering, attended by leading figures from the association’s committees, combined a communal iftar with discussions on future initiatives aimed at expanding cultural, media, and intellectual exchange between the two countries.
Held at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dokki, the event highlighted the association's ongoing efforts to deepen people-to-people ties and cultural dialogue between Egypt and Russia, reflecting cooperation beyond political and economic relations.
Speaking at the event, Secretary-General Sherif Gad conveyed Ramadan greetings from Ibrahim Kamel, the association’s chairman, stressing the importance of such gatherings in strengthening communication among members and supporting the association’s activities.
Gad also pointed to the inclusive atmosphere of the evening, where Muslim and Christian participants shared the same table. Muslim attendees broke their Ramadan fast while Christian guests observed their Lenten fasting traditions, creating what he described as a reflection of Egypt’s spirit of unity and coexistence.
During the meeting, cybersecurity consultant Mohamed Mohsen delivered a short talk on the safe use of smart communication technologies, particularly artificial intelligence applications. He emphasized the importance of using these tools to support cultural and media work, drawing interest from attendees.
Gamal Hassan, head of the association’s External Relations Committee, said the friendly atmosphere should be used to organize further meetings to strengthen links between friendship associations worldwide.
Singer Hala Mohamed performed traditional spiritual chants at the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association iftar
Manal Radwan, head of the Media Committee, said association members represent a key pillar of the committee’s activities and serve as an important source for specialized events and initiatives.
Radwan added that organizing the annual iftar at the Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo, with the participation of several Russian families, reflects the atmosphere of peace in Egypt despite conflicts affecting the wider region.
Ahmed Mahmoud, head of the Cultural Committee, noted that the association plans to translate several important books in the coming period and introduce contemporary Russian literature to Egyptian audiences, alongside organizing specialized cultural seminars.
Visual artist Saad Romani also highlighted the role of art in supporting and promoting the association’s cultural activities.
The evening concluded with a musical programme. Singer Hala Mohamed performed traditional spiritual chants, while Luiza Belidzhants, director of the Kalinka Children’s Choir at the Russian Cultural Centre, presented a Ramadan gift to the association as one of the choir’s trainees performed a Russian song.
Singer Catherine Nazmy later performed a selection of songs in Arabic, English, and Russian before closing the event with the Egyptian song Fiha Haga Helwa (There Is Something Beautiful in It), written by Ayman Bahgat Qamar and composed by Omar Khairat. After that, participants gathered for commemorative photos.
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