Cairo: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video claiming that a visitor was prevented from carrying the Egyptian flag into the Saqqara archaeological area.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the ministry stated that the gate shown in the video is a side entrance to a pedestrian area affiliated with the Abusir archaeological site. It further explained that current regulations require prior coordination with and approval from the Supreme Council of Antiquities before flags, banners, or other symbols may be brought into museums and archaeological sites across the country. These regulations are intended to preserve the historical character of these sites and prevent their use for political, partisan, religious, promotional, or other unauthorized activities.

The ministry emphasized that these regulations apply to all flags and banners without exception and are not specifically directed at the Egyptian flag or intended to diminish its national significance. Following the incident, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy has directed that a special framework be prepared to govern the carrying of the Egyptian flag in museums and archaeological sites.

The proposed framework aims to facilitate visitors' ability to carry and raise the national flag in a manner befitting its status as a symbol of the state, while maintaining measures to protect archaeological sites.