From the Aquiles Nazoa Cultural House in Caracas, a commemorative act was held this Monday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Arab Republic of Egypt, countries whose ties have historically been oriented by friendship, cooperation, solidarity and mutual respect.
The anniversary coincides in turn with the celebration of the 16th International Book Fair of Venezuela (Filven), which is also held from this important space for culture and arts.
The ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Latin American country, Yasser Aliragab Ali; the People’s Power Minister for Culture, Ernesto Villegas and the Vice-minister for Africa of the People’s Power Ministry for Foreign Relations, Yuri Pimentel attended.
During his speech, Ambassador Yasser Aliragab highlighted that both countries plan to establish political consultation mechanisms to exchange points of view and coordinate in national, international and regional affairs.
Likewise, the Egyptian diplomat expressed interest in cooperating in the field of protection of the national heritage, with special emphasis on the field of museums and antiquities and to combat their illegal traffic.
“I would like to confirm our determination to work hard to consolidate the relationship between both countries and strengthen the cooperation process between both, within the bilateral level and within the framework of South-South cooperation (…) I wish the Venezuelan Government and people all the progress, success and prosperity Long live our countries!”
For his part, Minister Villegas stressed that it was with the arrival of Commander Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela turned its gaze to Africa and other cultural references.
He also explained that cultural relations have a very broad field to explore and develop, and at the same time he showed the interest of the Bolivarian Government to learn about the Egyptian experience and exchange knowledge between archaeologists and anthropologists.
Finally, Vice-minister Yuri Pimentel explained that since 2004 the ties between Venezuela and Egypt have had an important development, with particular incidence on the multilateral aspect, where they usually exhibit alliances and support, based on the position of respect and adherence to the principles that govern International Law.
“Very especially in the Human Rights Council, in the defense of sovereignty, the non-interference of States in internal affairs and the self-determination of peoples.”
Here are some of the achievements made by Venezuela and Egypt since the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution:
The training in Egypt of Venezuelan personnel in gas matters.
The implementation of the scholarship program of the International Egyptian Center for Agriculture (EICA), oriented to agriculture and water management for agricultural purposes, which has allowed the improvement of Venezuelan professionals.
The presence of two Egyptian companies in the Orinoco Oil Belt, including the State Engineering Company for Petroleum and Industrial Projects of Egypt (ENPPI).
The strengthening of the bonds of friendship between peoples through culture -it has also been fruitful- with the participation of Egyptian delegations in the I and V Cultural Festival with the Peoples of Africa held in Venezuela in 2005 and 2017 respectively.
The constant exhibition of filmography of Venezuela in the Film Festivals that take place in the North African nation.
It also remarkable the support and solidarity of the Egyptian people to the Venezuelans in the face of the adverse circumstances generated by the illegal economic and commercial blockade imposed on the country.