Japan has offered Egypt a 180-million Japanese Yen (approximately $1.17 million) grant for the upgrade of the Egyptian Opera House in downtown Cairo.
Witnessing the grant agreement signing in the Egyptian capital yesterday were Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hano, and Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rania al-Mashat, on the Egyptian side, and Japanese Ambassador to Egypt, Iwai Fumio.
The grant agreement was signed by Lamia Zayed, president of the Egyptian Opera House, and Kato Ken, chief representative of the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in Egypt.
The grant is expected to be used in overhauling the infrastructure of the Opera House, including through the improvement of the facility’s theaters by providing them with modern equipment.
The grant will also be used in enhancing the viewer experience at the Grand Theater of the house.
Minister Hano said the overhaul of the Opera House aligns with Egypt’s ongoing efforts to enrich the local cultural landscape and foster an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
He underscored the Opera House’s importance as a platform for both local and international artists.
The house, he said, is a symbol of strong cultural ties between Egypt and Japan.
The minister expressed gratitude for the support offered by Egypt’s partners.
“It is important to preserve Egypt’s rich cultural heritage by embracing modern technologies to drive artistic innovation,” the minister said.
The minister reaffirmed, meanwhile, the government’s commitment to cultivating a thriving cultural ecosystem that celebrates the past while embracing a hopeful and determined future.
Minister al-Mashat, for her part, highlighted the enduring strategic partnership with Japan.
This partnership, she said, started in 1954 and has flourished over the decades based on mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a commitment to sustainable development and cultural dialogue.
She cited Japan’s significant contribution to the Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Giza Pyramids Plateau, describing it as a “testament” to this strong collaboration.
The minister also referred to the growing diversity of the Egyptian-Japanese partnership across various sectors.
This diversity, she said, aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the Government Action Programme.
She acknowledged Japan’s invaluable support for Egypt’s development efforts over the past seven decades.
The minister noted that the grant agreement would enhance the Opera House’s operational efficiency while solidifying its position as a beacon of arts; music; thought, and knowledge in the Middle East and Africa.
This agreement, she added, would not only help preserve the Opera House’s status, but it also is tantamount to a celebration of the fruitful 70-year partnership, laying the foundation for a future where culture and the arts continue to flourish.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Fumio reiterated the Japanese government’s commitment to supporting the development of the Egyptian Opera House, deepening bilateral relations, and strengthening the strategic partnership with Egypt across various development sectors.
Ken also expressed satisfaction with the signing of the grant agreement.
The agreement, he said, coincides with the 70th anniversary of Egyptian-Japanese development co-operation.
