Selakovic meets with Egyptian ministers of culture, tourism

CAIRO - Serbian Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic met with Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Fouad Hanno and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi in Cairo to discuss advancement of cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The parties noted that Serbia-Egypt bilateral relations were traditionally friendly, without outstanding issues and with a clear tendency of further advancement.

"It was emphasised at the meetings that cooperation in the field of culture is developed, with great potential for further progress through encouraging inter-institutional exchange, joint programmes and more intensive linking of cultural institutions and artists.

The interlocutors assessed that culture is the foundation for strengthening overall relations, including tourism and the economy, because it permeates all segments of society.

In this context, readiness was expressed to sign a Joint Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the Arab Republic of Egypt on cooperation in the protection and preservation of cultural property, as well as in combatting the import, export and transfer of cultural property subject to theft, illegal excavation or smuggling, and their return to the country of origin," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"An agreement was also reached on the development of cooperation in the field of culture in the areas of translation, film co-production, opera and audio-visual creation, as well as participation in festivals and fairs and exchange of exhibitions, with a particular emphasis on support for institutional and artistic programmes of mutual interest.

To ensure more efficient coordination, it was agreed to initiate the establishment of a Joint Committee on Culture, which will contribute to a faster and easier exchange in this area," the statement said.