“Egypt will weather the current turbulent times in the region and the world and continue its march towards progress and development.” – President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi
Edited by Anna Popper
On the occasion of the 72nd National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed El Shinawy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Hungary and Mrs. El Shinawy hosted a diplomatic reception at the Ambassador’s Residence.
Egypt’s National Day, celebrated annually on 23 July, marks the anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, a pivotal event that set Egypt on a path to independence, unity and prosperity. This day commemorates the end of the Kingdom of Egypt and the birth of the modern Republic of Egypt. It stands as a cornerstone of contemporary Egyptian history, symbolizing a profound transformation that continues to shape the nation’s identity. As the largest secular public holiday in Egypt, it is a day for national reflection and celebration that honours the nation’s resilience and enduring spirit.
Deeply connected to their millennia-old history, Egyptians take great pride and cherish their unique heritage, which includes remarkable artistic and scientific achievements, as well as advanced technical and engineering refinements that have garnered admiration worldwide. From the grandeur of the pyramids and intricate hieroglyphics to their sophisticated understanding of mathematics, medicine and astronomy, the ancient Egyptians laid the foundations for many aspects of modern civilization. This immense historical heritage and inexhaustible treasure has long been the subject of ongoing research, supported by international cooperation, and continues to reveal many surprising discoveries and insights from the past. Egyptian art serves as a profound source of inspiration for artists. Its rich symbolism, intricate details and enduring motifs continue to captivate and influence creative minds around the world.
The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), set to open in late 2024 after 22 years of meticulous construction, is considered as a crown jewel of Egypt and one of the world’s largest, most advanced and most prestigious museums. Just two kilometres from the iconic Pyramids of Giza, this impressive, cutting-edge art institution will be a new star attraction, offering a unique showcase of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage on an unprecedented scale.
The National Day event was attended by distinguished guests, including senior Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the cultural, economic and academic circles, Egyptian nationals and friend of this great country.
The commemoration began with the national anthems of Egypt and Hungary, and followed with the address of Ambassador El Shinawy:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to start by welcoming you at the National Day reception, organised by the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Hungary.
This year’s celebration is set against a backdrop of significant global challenges, notably the inhumane conflict in the Middle East, where our Palestinian brothers and sisters face daily massacres, destruction of their infrastructure, starvation, and forced displacement from their land – atrocities unseen on such scale for decades. Furthermore, conflicts persist in Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya, while global economic uncertainties, threats to international trade, illegal immigration and extremism pose additional concerns.
In this context, and given its historical constructive role and strategic location, Egypt is endeavouring to address these crises, particularly in Gaza, in cooperation and coordination with its allies. Egypt advocates for an immediate ceasefire, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the immediate release of all hostages and the initiation of a political process. Egypt is exerting its utmost efforts to prevent an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. Egypt believes that the continuation or escalation of these conflicts will have far-reaching consequences that would definitely affect everyone without exception. Moreover, Egypt hosts over 9 million individuals who were displaced as a result of the conflicts in the Middle East and other regions. I would like to highlight that those individuals are treated in Egypt as guests and receive all the services provided to Egyptians and live among us with our warmest hospitality.
Regarding Egyptian-Hungarian relations, Egypt congratulates Hungary on its assumption of the Presidency of the European Union Council and wishes for a successful term with substantial outcomes.
On the bilateral level, Egyptian-Hungarian ties are strong, with both nations committed to further deepening their relationship. Both countries share a common stance on global political issues and are dedicated to collaborative efforts, especially after elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership in March 2023.
Within various sectors like agriculture, trade, ICT, transportation, tourism and education, Egypt and Hungary enjoy extensive cooperation. Notably, parliamentary collaboration between the two nations is significant.
I wish to express Egypt’s gratitude for the annual scholarships Hungary provides through the Stipendium Hungaricum program. These scholarships attract Egyptian students seeking educational opportunities in diverse fields of study in Hungary.
In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your presence today. I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues at the Embassy in organizing this event, and I must thank my dear wife, Ingy, for her support.
I wish you all an enjoyable summer vacation and invite you to consider spending it in Egypt, where we have the most magnificent beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
Thank you very much and enjoy the reception.”
During the reception, guests savoured a variety of Egyptian culinary delights, rich in traditional flavours and a special blend of spices and ingredients that characterize Egyptian cuisine. Despite the very hot weather, the friendly atmosphere buzzed with lively conversation as attendees exchanged experiences and discussed their summer holiday plans.
Source: Embassy of Egypt in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Egypt in Budapest and DPA
