US Ambassador Jonathan R. Cohen visited Luxor on Thursday to visit Egyptian cultural heritage sites that the US has helped preserve.
Together with Luxor Deputy Governor Mohamed Abdel Kader, US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Leslie Reed, and U.S. Embassy Defense Attaché Major General Ralph H. Groover, Ambassador Cohen visited sites of USAID-funded projects at Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Dra Abu El Naga, and Theban Tomb 110.
Ambassador Cohen stated, “Egypt’s antiquities are an important part of its heritage and that of all humanity, but also an important asset that creates jobs and income. The US has, for decades, worked hand-in-hand with Egyptians to preserve historical sites, strengthen tourism, and create jobs and income.”
At each location, the delegation visited sites with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the American Research Center in Egypt.
In partnership with the Egyptian government, the United States has provided over $100m to conserve monuments across Egypt, spanning from Pharaonic times to the late Ottoman period.
Since 1978, the American people have invested over $30bn to further support Egypt’s economic development.
