Egypt’s Foreign Minister Highlights Strong Cultural Ties with Japan at ‘Min-On’ Museum

Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Koji Yamaguchi, the head of Japan’s ‘Min-On’ Music Museum, one of the country’s premier cultural institutions dedicated to preserving global musical heritage. The meeting aimed to explore ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two friendly nations.

During the meeting, Minister Abdel Aty emphasized that the Egyptian-Japanese relationship serves as a distinguished model of cooperation rooted in mutual respect and a profound appreciation for each other’s cultural and civilizational heritage. He noted that culture has long been a fundamental pillar in building bridges of understanding and friendship between the two countries over many decades.

The minister praised the role played by Japanese cultural institutions in fostering civilizational exchange among peoples. He expressed hope for continued cultural collaboration between Egypt and Japan, building on the shared successes achieved in several major cultural projects, including the Grand Egyptian Museum. This reflects the central role of culture as a tool for enhancing closeness among nations and supporting the strategic partnership between both countries.

During his visit, Abdel Aty toured various sections of the museum, examining its unique collections that include rare classical and traditional musical instruments from around the world. He also reviewed the museum’s efforts in music documentation, cultural preservation, and promoting international cultural exchange. The minister expressed eagerness to explore new avenues for collaboration between the museum and the Cairo Opera House, including experience sharing and organizing joint cultural events and programs, especially in light of the anticipated expansion of activities at the Cairo Opera House with its new headquarters opening in the New Capital.