Indonesian Embassy Receives Cultural Award From Egypt Government

JAKARTA, June 20 (Antara) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Cairo has received a cultural award from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, as stated in a press statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo received by Antara here on Monday. The award was handed over by the Director of Foreign Cultural Relations, Egyptian Ministry of Culture, Ayman Abdel Hady, to Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt Helmy Fauzy. The award is a form of appreciation for Indonesia's active participation in various cultural events in Egypt. "We are very grateful to the Egyptian government for the award as it shows the close friendship between the two countries, which has been built for 70 years," Fauzy noted. Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country to receive awards at the event entitled "Bridging Cultures, Inspiring Creativity and Serving Community." In addition to Indonesia, several countries, namely the United Arab Emirates, China, Pakistan, Sudan, India, and Argentina, have also received the awards for their efforts to advance cultural ties with Egypt. Indonesian culture has taken root among the Egyptian people during the 70 years of friendly relations between the two countries. Music and dance arts by Indonesians are frequently performed in various cultural events organized by Egypt and the embassy. Indonesian culture is also often featured in various cultural programs on Egyptian television stations. Indonesian artists and cultural activists are often invited to participate in art festivals in Egypt. The Egyptians' interest in learning Indonesian culture is also very high. It is indicated from the number of Egyptians who attend some courses on Indonesia's cultures, such as language, traditional dances, and martial arts, at the Indonesian Cultural Center in Cairo.