During an official visit to Egypt, Brice Oligui Nguema, the transitional president of Gabon, embarked on a cultural journey through three of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites: the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the Giza Pyramids.
President Oligui Nguema began his tour at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where he admired the outdoor plaza featuring the suspended obelisk and explored the main hall and grand staircase leading to the primary exhibition halls. These halls chronicle Egypt’s ancient history from its earliest dynasties to the Greco-Roman era. He praised the museum’s innovative display techniques, which enhance the artifacts’ beauty while offering accessible and informative content for visitors of all ages. At the end of the visit, Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s CEO, presented the president with a commemorative gift, symbolizing Egypt’s warm hospitality.
The president’s next stop was the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat. Here, he toured the main exhibition halls, the royal mummies’ collection, and displays of Egyptian textiles. He expressed deep admiration for the museum’s presentation, describing it as a treasure trove that showcases Egypt’s cultural importance and the evolution of its civilization over millennia. He was particularly impressed by the royal mummies’ exhibit, which vividly brings ancient history to life. As a gesture of appreciation, the president signed the museum’s guestbook and received a souvenir from the museum’s CEO, Al-Tayeb Abbas.
The visit concluded at the Giza Pyramids, where President Oligui Nguema ventured inside the Great Pyramid, ascending to its second chamber. He marveled at the massive stones and the engineering prowess behind the construction. Ashraf Mohy El-Din, Director General of Giza Antiquities, provided insights into the pyramid’s history as the sole surviving wonder of the ancient world and shared details of notable discoveries within its structure. The delegation also visited the Sphinx, learning about its creation and ongoing restoration efforts to address groundwater challenges. The president and his delegation took commemorative photos at the site, expressing a desire to return and further explore Egypt’s archaeological wonders.
This visit underscores the strengthening cultural ties between Gabon and Egypt and highlights Gabon’s appreciation for Egypt’s unparalleled historical legacy. President Oligui Nguema’s engagement with Egypt’s ancient heritage reflects a mutual interest in fostering cultural exchange and deepening relations between the two nations.
