On April 24th, Ambassador Oka, accompanied by Mr. Kato Ken, the chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), embarked on a significant visit to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
The field of archaeology serves as a key arena of cooperation between Japan and Egypt, wherein Japanese and Egyptian archaeologists collaborate closely to conserve and restore artifacts earmarked for display in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and beyond.
Numerous Japanese archaeological research missions actively engage with Egyptian scholars and researchers in excavation and exploration activities. The cooperation of the Supreme Council of Antiquities is indispensable for the success of these research endeavors.
During the visit, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in the field of archaeology for the development and advancement of archaeological knowledge.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid’s appointment as the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities underscores his extensive expertise and distinguished scientific and international skills in Egyptology and archaeological work. He holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Egyptian Archaeology from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, and has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Würzburg in Germany. Additionally, he led the Egyptian-German mission at the Pyramid of Sahure in the Abu Sir archaeological area, where he made several significant archaeological discoveries, including uncovering previously unknown storage facilities within the Sahure pyramid. Furthermore, he has authored numerous prestigious and internationally peer-reviewed scientific publications in both English and German.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid has received several international scholarships for post-doctoral research from institutions such as the Humboldt Foundation at the University of Würzburg in Germany and the Heinrich Foundation in Germany. He has also served as a visiting professor at the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Institute in the Department of Egyptian Archaeology at Yale University in the United States.
It is worth noting that Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid is a product of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, having commenced his professional career as an antiquities inspector in the Pyramids Antiquities area. He subsequently progressed through leadership positions within the council, serving as the Director of the Technical Office for the Head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Giza Antiquities, Director of the Scientific Research Department, Supervisor of Scientific Publication Affairs, General Supervisor of Permanent Committees and Foreign Missions Affairs, and General Coordinator of the Development Project for the Pyramids Plateau.
This visit signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening archaeological ties between Japan and Egypt and underscores the importance of collaboration in preserving and advancing Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
