Egypt's Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hano delivered 13 maps, 22 documents, and 43 historical agreements to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty after their restoration by the National Library and Archives. The handover marks the completion of the first and second phases of a restoration project for documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates. These items date back to the Khedivial and Royal eras.
The handover occurred in the presence of Osama Talaat, Chairman of the National Library and Archives. During the event, the two ministers toured the facility's reading rooms, digitisation centre, and restoration laboratories to assess the technical and technological capabilities employed in safeguarding official state documents.
Hano emphasized that preserving Egypt's historical documents constitutes a 'major national responsibility,' as they encapsulate the state's memory and chronicle its diplomatic and political path over decades. He noted that the Ministry of Culture prioritizes the restoration of rare manuscripts using cutting-edge technologies to ensure their longevity for future generations.
Abdelatty commended the National Library and Archives' efforts, calling its role essential in maintaining the 'institutional memory of the Egyptian state.' He reaffirmed the Foreign Ministry's dedication to continued collaboration on restoring and digitizing historical treaties and maps to enhance accessibility.
The Foreign Minister also underscored the cultural aspect's importance in diplomatic initiatives, describing it as a 'fundamental pillar and an essential tool of Egyptian foreign policy.' This partnership between the ministries illustrates the seamless integration of state institutions in safeguarding national heritage and making it systematically available to researchers and experts.