Cairo: President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan visited the Grand Egyptian Museum alongside President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi on the afternoon of September 2 local time.
According to African Press Organization, the museum is situated near the ancient pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Upon their arrival, President Xi and Madame Peng were received by President El-Sisi and the First Lady. Inside, the couples posed for a group photo in front of the statue of Ramesses II and received a briefing on Egyptian history and the museum. They ascended an escalator to view stone statues, inscribed columns, and a pyramidion, enjoying a distant view of the pyramids from a window. The presidents then entered the Tutankhamun Galleries, where they viewed significant pieces like the Pharaoh's golden throne, mask, and chariot.
President Xi remarked on the rich heritages of China and Egypt, emphasizing the historical connections between the two civilizations. He advocated for equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, aligning with the Global Civilization Initiative. He encouraged the promotion of exchanges and mutual learning to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
President El-Sisi expressed gratitude to President Xi for his congratulatory message on the museum's opening last year. He highlighted the shared characteristics of inclusiveness and harmony between the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, in line with President Xi's Global Civilization Initiative. Egypt is keen on enhancing people-to-people exchanges with China to foster mutual learning and contribute to a harmonious and inclusive world.