Press release

95

9-06-2009

Al Fiqi: Egypt looking forward to new phase of Egyptian-US relations

Minister of Information Anas Al Fiqi said that Egypt is looking forward to reach a new phase of the Egyptian-US relations through the coming meeting of President Mubarak with President Obama. The Minister added that the visit will provide a push forward to the ties between the two countries and it will also boost the steps towards achieving regional peace in the Middle East at all levels.

Mubarak, Obama hold enlarged session of talks

President Hosni Mubarak and US President Barack Obama Thursday 4/6/2009 held an enlarged session of talks at the Qubba Presidential Palace attended by the two countries' delegations. President Mubarak expressed his great welcome to the U.S. President Barack Obama at their first meeting. President Mubarak said that during the summit they discussed issues of common concern mainly the Middle East issue & the Palestinian one and they exchanged views on the issues of the region as a whole, including Iran and the nuclear issue and other issues.President Mubarak added that there will be other meetings between him and President Obama in America and elsewhere. For his part, U.S. President Obama, thanked President Mubarak and the Egyptian people for their hospitality. President Obama also expressed his happiness to meet President Mubarak and to consult with him, especially in light of President Mubarak's experience and wisdom about many important issues. The U.S. President expressed his appreciation and greetings to the Egyptians.

US President visits Sultan Hassan Mosque

US President Barack Obama visited on Thursday 4/6/2009 Sultan Hassan Mosque accompanied with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Obama expressed admiration of the mosque's design which reflects the greatness of the Islamic Egyptian civilization. The Sultan Hassan Mosque is considered stylistically the most compact and unified of all Cairo monuments. It is one of the masterpieces of Mamluk architecture. Sultan Hassan mosque was built between 1356 and 1360 and stands next to Al-Rifai mosque, completed in 1911. In a gesture meant to show deep respect to Islamic traditions and sanctities, US President Obama took off his shoes as he stepped into the ancient Mosque in old Cairo. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed his step in taking off her shoes as well refusing to wear a special light slipper which tourists usually wear when they tour the mosque. Hillary Clinton put on a headscarf as she entered the mosque.

Islamic Research Council's statement on occasion of Obama's Speech to Muslim World

 On the occasion of President Barack Obama's historic visit to Egypt and his speech to the Muslim World which he gave at Cairo University, the Members of the Islamic Research Council (IRC) welcome President Obama's visit as a clear gesture of goodwill and respect. This gesture is particularly welcome given the fact that President Obama chose Egypt as the venue of his speech to the Muslim World in recognition for its rich legacy and profound influence on the Islamic World by virtue of its being the seat of the most respected and influential Sunni institution of Islamic scholarship and education in the world; Al Azhar. The Members of the IRC view President Obama's speech as indicative of a promising new era in relations between America and the Arab and the Muslim worlds, and that paves the way for real dialogue among civilizations, rather than conflict, which some may want us to believe is unavoidable. The Members commend President Obama for his deep appreciation for the Islamic faith and the contributions of Islamic civilization over the centuries in shaping the world for the better, and for his assertion that America seeks greater engagement and a true partnership with the Muslim world based upon mutual respect. The Members wish to assert that they share with President Obama the goal of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, particularly between Palestine and Israel, and strongly call upon him to make progress towards achieving such a peace in the region. They also welcome his initiative to end the occupation of Iraq and withdraw US forces. The Members stress that a similar initiative should be made in Afghanistan. The Members assure the American people that the concerns of most Muslims are identical to those of most Americans, and that they have a common desire to lead a peaceful and dignified life. They both face a common threat posed by extremism and terrorism, which people of all religions reject. On their part, The Members of the IRC affirm that throughout its long history, Al-Azhar has provided equal educational opportunities for men and women, and has been devoted to spreading a balanced vision of Islam based on the various recognized Schools of Islamic law and orthodox theology infused with spiritual depth. Students at Al-Azhar are, and have been taught not only how to master grammar, logic, and law, but they have also been given instruction in Islamic ethics and spirituality as well, which are considered integral parts of effective religious leadership, and the development of a culture of dialogue and tolerance. Combined with an understanding of contemporary issues, this holistic approach to religious education continues to draw students from all over the world to study at Al-Azhar. These students return to their countries with not only knowledge, but also the example of a balanced religiosity that, while remaining true to its principles, is able to address the needs of Muslim society in a changing world. Al-Azhar has long been active in reaching out to other religious communities, both within the Islamic world, and at the international level. This spirit of dialogue can be found in the statements and fatwas of Al-Azhar's Sheikhs, as well as in the activities of its scholars. The Members of the IRC affirm that there is a great and vast field in which both the Muslim world and the United States can act together, including rejecting terror, defending and promoting the moral values of compassion and justice, spreading goodwill and bridging misunderstandings, and overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes among all peoples of the world. The Members recognize the necessity of translating these shared commitments into tangible deeds and programs to achieve these noble goals

Tutankhamen exhibition to tour 7 US Cities

Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif approved the transfer of the exhibition of "Tutankhamun The Golden King and The Great Pharaohs" which showcases more than 130 artifacts, from Atlanta Civic Center to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Culture Minister Farouk Hosni said.
He said the exhibition is on a tour of seven US cities from November 2008 until December 2012. The revenues for the exhibition amount to 30 million dollars, he said.
The exhibition features 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamen including the gold sandals that adorned the mummies feet and a beautifully adorned canopic jar that mummified his internal organs.

 

 

Previous Releases ...........

 

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