Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday hailed the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as a key symbol of cooperation with Egypt.

“This great edifice will be the largest museum in the world,” he added during his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli at the GEM premises in Giza.

The two premiers held a joint press conference at the museum, where Kishida expressed his delight at being able to visit GEM during his current visit to Egypt and inspect the site where sun boats are being restored by a Japanese non-profit organisation.

Kishida added that he got acquainted with GEM’s modern showing system, which will allow museum visitors to see the steps of the sun boats’ restoration process.

“Bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries to establish the Grand Egyptian Museum dates back to 2006,” Kishida said.

“Cooperation on technological administration and exhibition capacities would continue after the museum’s inauguration,” he added.

Addressing the press conference with his Japanese counterpart, Madbouli said: “Your visit to this mega project is a great honor for us.”

The premier expressed thanks and appreciation for the Japanese government’s contribution to this major project.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi invited the Japanese premier to the official inauguration ceremony of the mega project, which will be determined in collaboration with Tokyo, Madbouli added.

The Japanese prime minister is currently on a three-day visit to Egypt, the first leg of his four-nation Africa tour.