The Government of Japan announced the award of the Order of the Rising Sun - a gold and silver star, a high-ranking decoration granted by the Emperor of Japan to those who have achieved outstanding achievements in Japan and the international community, to Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Anany, and former Minister of State for Antiquities Dr. Zahi Hawass.
A statement from the Japanese Embassy in Cairo said today that the history of this medal goes back nearly 150 years.
Dr. El-Anany headed the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities for more than 5 years, during which time he worked closely with the Government of Japan in promoting and promoting the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is a symbol of friendship between Japan and Egypt, and demonstrated strong leadership in this regard. In addition, he also contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and the exchange of delegations and individuals between Japan and Egypt, during his tenure as head of the Ministry of Tourism, and he also visited Japan in 2019, to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Emperor on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
As for the former Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass, who is known by his fame as the largest and most famous scholar of archeology and Egyptology, he held the position of Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for 9 years, and was the first Minister of Antiquities after the establishment of its first ministry. With regard to his relations with Japan, he was The former Minister's strong understanding and cooperation towards Japan is irreplaceable in the framework of supporting and promoting many research studies and exchanges by many officials and stakeholders from Japan, including the excavation and research of the "Second Sun Boat" of the famous Pyramid of King Khufu, which enjoys He has a very wide international reputation. In addition, he has contributed to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Egypt through Egyptian archaeology, such as publishing and issuing books, appearing in programs on television, and carrying out propaganda and media activities by giving lectures all over the country.
Ambassador Noki, Ambassador of Japan to Egypt, expressed his thanks and appreciation for the achievements of Dr. El-Anany and Dr. Hawass. He also commented that he was very happy because their contributions were reflected in the tangible and visible achievements in the field of Egyptian antiquities, including the Egyptian Museum project. The large GEM, which is a symbol of cooperation between Japan and Egypt, and the Embassy of Japan in Egypt will continue to do its best in the future as well to further develop Japan-Egypt relations with the help of both of them.
Thu, Nov. 4, 2021
