Egypt’s Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Radi, received Rasha Saleh on the occasion of assuming her duties as the new Director of the Egyptian Academy of Arts (EAA) in Rome.
Rania Yehia, whose term as director has officially ended, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Radi stressed the importance of the academy continuing its distinguished role in Italy as a platform for Egyptian artistic, cultural, and historical activities.
He highlighted the academy’s unique location in the heart of Rome, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the depth and authenticity of Egyptian civilization and the richness of Egyptian art, both modern and historical.
Radi underlined the need for the Academy to remain a cultural landmark where Egyptian and Roman civilizations meet through diverse activities that reflect the creativity and heritage of Egypt.
He also announced that a comprehensive work plan for the academy will be developed in the coming months until the end of the year.
The plan will be implemented in partnership with the Italian cultural community and other European academies, to strengthen the Academy’s role as one of Egypt’s key soft power institutions abroad.
Radi noted that this effort will be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, headed by Culture Minister Gihane Zaki, whose extensive experience in European and international cultural work is expected to support the academy’s activities positively.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation to Yehia for her efforts over the past two years, during which she organized several cultural and artistic seasons in cooperation with Italian, European, and Arab partners, helping the Academy maintain its prominent role.
Radi added that, for the first time, the handover between directors took place in person at the academy’s headquarters to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of work.
