Venezuela and Egypt agree that culture is a fundamental element to fight terrorism. “The battle of ideas and conscience is more important than the battles of weapons,” said Minister of People’s Power for Culture, Ernesto Villegas, on Thursday at a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador to Venezuela, Yasser Ali Ragab, at the Casona Cultural Aquiles Nazoa, a cultural center located in Caracas.
The Venezuelan minister stressed that one of the Venezuelans’ greatest strengths is their culture and identity, and said that the homeland of Bolívar feels the greatest admiration for Egypt and its contribution to the world.
In this regard, Villegas expressed Venezuela’s interest in exchanging experiences and knowledge in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage and in the management of cultural and heritage sites, areas where Egypt has a vast and recognized experience.
Venezuela and Egypt will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on November 15, a suitable occasion, according to Minister Villegas, to hold joint cultural activities to commemorate the date.
Ambassador Ragab said that culture contributes to strengthening ties between countries and people, and that’s the reason why his country gives great precedence to this area.
“I have been following up the Venezuelan Government’s cultural management, and we have witnessed the numerous efforts they have made,” he said.
Likewise, he welcomed the proposal made by Minister Villegas regarding the exchange of experiences in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage, as well as the management of cultural and heritage sites, and agreed to facilitate this exchange through the Library of Alexandria, one of the biggest in Egypt and a reference in North Africa that houses millions of publications.
After the meeting, Minister Villegas invited Egypt’s ambassador to take a tour in La Casona, a place that was the residence of the first Venezuelan presidents and that President Nicolás Maduro decided to turn into a cultural center.