French president visits historical sites and museums in Egypt

The French president and the German vice-chancellor toured several archaeological sites in Egypt during their diplomatic visit to the country

Nevine El-Aref , Tuesday 19 Apr 2016

El-Enany with President Hollande at the Coptic Museum (Courtesy of the Ministry of Antiquities)

On the final day of his visit to Egypt, French President Francois Hollande was guided by Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany on a tour around the Salaheddin Citadel and the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo.

President Hollande insisted on visiting these two sites because they highlight Egypt's long history of religious tolerance.

From the Coptic Museum, Hollande called on the entire world to visit Egypt, and pointed to several cooperation deals signed between both countries in a number of domains, including the archaeological field.

President Hollande calling the world from the Coptic Museum (Courtesy of the Ministry of Antiquities)

The director-general of the Grand Egyptian Museum Tarek Tawfik also escorted German vice-chancellor and economy minister Sigmar Gabriel on his tour at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and the Giza Plateau.

Gabriel was reportedly impressed with the distinguished ancient Egyptian artefacts on display at the museum.

He also met with German restorer Christian Eckman and heard about his work in restoring the iconic mask of Tutankhamun and the restoration works being carried out on Tutankhamun's golden sheets.