The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Arab Republic of Egypt singed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hong Kong Monday with a view to promoting and strengthening cooperation in the fields of culture, the arts and education.  

The secretary for home affairs of HKSAR government, Patrick Ho, and the consul general of Egypt in the HKSAR, Aly Galal Bassiouny, represented the two sides in signing the MOU.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ho said, "In the future, we'll explore the possibilities of fostering cooperation in such areas as an exhibition on Egyptian art and an Egyptian Film Festival in Hong Kong, display of Hong Kong's museum collections in Egypt, and music exchange programs."

"I am sure these programs will further enhance our understanding and knowledge of Egypt," said Ho.

There have long been cultural exchanges between the two sides. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department of HKSAR government and the Consulate General of Egypt in the HKSAR organized performances by the Alexandria Folk Dance Troupe from Egypt in Hong Kong in 2001 and an Egyptian Film Festival in 2002.

Hong Kong also participated in the Ismaila International Film Festival for Documentary and Short Films in 2002 and 2003. There are also two-way exchanges of students between educational institutions.

It is hoped that the signing of this memorandum will pave the way for more bilateral cooperation in other fields.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2004)