Looking to boost bilateral cooperation in the field of antiquities, Indian envoy to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and discussed ways of expanding cooperation in conservation work between the two "ancient civilisations".
Bhattacharyya visited under-construction GEM, described as world's largest archaeological museum, and met with general supervisor of the construction work Tarek Tawfik yesterday.
"The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is truly a gem. It's location is unique at the foot of the Pyramids and they have a huge space that they will utilise," the Ambassador told PTI after the visit.
The Grand Museum sits on 50 hectares (120 acres) of land, approximately two kilometers from the world-famous Giza Pyramids.
The Ambassador said India is exited about this project in two particular areas.
"First, we are looking for a collaboration between the Antiquities Ministry of Egypt and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Both of us being ancient civilisations, we should collaborate much more," the Ambassador said.
"The second and more specific thing in GEM is that they have one of the most remarkable conservation labs anywhere in the world. They do remarkable work and I look forward to my art conservationists coming here and learning from the conservation labs that GEM has," he said.
He also said that both countries have a programme of cooperation in the antiquities and the cultural fields which will be expanded in the future.
Described as the largest archaeological museum in the world, GEM is scheduled to partially open in 2018.
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