Armenian Cultural days in Egypt

21 September, 2010

The solemn opening ceremony of Days of Armenian Culture took place on September 19 at Cairo Opera House Main Hall. After the solemn ceremony the Armenian Tatoul Altounian National Song and Dance Ensemble (Art Director Zhirayr Altunyan) dazzled a crowd of over 1,000 at the Cairo Opera House with infectious rhythms, skillful choreography, and sharp execution, putting on an impressive display of Armenia’s intriguing cultural heritage.

The concert, which was held as part of a series of “Armenian cultural days in Egypt”, was jointly organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Armenian Embassy in Egypt as part of a larger bilateral initiative to foster cultural exchange between Egypt and Armenia.

The series included a photo exhibit of the Director of S.Parajanov House-Museum Zaven Sargsyan on Armenian architecture in addition to three performances from Tatoul Altounian, first in Cairo and thereafter at Damanhour’s newly-restored Opera House, and the Sayed Darwish Opera House in Alexandria.

Armenian official delegation led by Deputy Minister of Culture Mr. Arthur Poghosyan also traveled to Egypt on the occasion of Days of Armenian Culture. The delegation has already had official meetings with Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt H.E. Mrs. Fayza Abul Naga, Governor of Cairo Mr. Abdel Azim Wazir, Deputy Minister of Culture of Egypt Mr. Hossam Nassar, Director of Cairo Opera House, renowned artist Mr. Abdel Moneim Kamel. During the meetings, the parties discussed the prospects of Armenian-Egyptian cultural cooperation, reached agreements on implementation of joint programs. Ambassador of Armenia to Egypt H.E. Mr. Armen Melkonyan was also present at the meetings.

Speech of the Ambassador H.E. Dr. Armen Melkonian on the Occasion of The Armenian Cultural Days in Alexandria, Egypt

Gen. Mahmoud Ramadan, Vice-Governor of Alexandria,
Your Excellency Mr. Artur Pogosyan, Deputy minister of Culture of the republic of Armenia,
Mr. Samy Mahmoud, Director of Alexandria Opera house

Honorable Consul Generals,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It's a great privilege for me to address you at the opening of this unique cultural event. We are delighted to have this opportunity to share Armenian cultural tradition and heritage with you in one of the most ancient cities in the world, the pride of the Mediterranean, the great city of Alexandria.
This event coincides with the National Day of the Republic Of Armenia. On the 21st of September Armenia and Armenians all over the world celebrate Independence Day. Taking this opportunity I would like to congratulate all our compatriots who are present here today in this wonderful Hall.
Since obtaining Independence in 1991, Armenia has reached great achievements, including the strengthening of numerous direct contacts with friendly nations and states. Especially, I would like to mention our effective cooperation with Egypt. An integral part of it is successful cultural collaboration. The present Cultural days of Armenia are another proof of it.
On this occasion I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Culture of Egypt, H.E. Mr.Farouk Hosny, for his high auspices of the Armenian Cultural days in Egypt 2010.
Also I extend my wholehearted thanks to Counsellor Hossam Nassar, Supervisor of the Sector of Foreign Cultural Relations of the ministry of Culture for great organization and efforts to make this cultural week a real success.
I express my gratitude and appreciation to Gen. Adel Labib, the Governor of Alexandria, as well as Mr. Samy Mahmoud, the Director of Alexandria Theatre "Sayed Darwish" for their warm hospitality.
And now, let's enjoy together the performance of the Armenian National Song and Dance Ensemble named after the great Armenian musician "Tatoul Altounian".
Thank you.

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