Minister of Culture reveals his opinion at Samaa’ Festival

CAIRO – 23 September 2017: Minister of Culture Helmy El Namnam stated at the opening of the Samaa' International Festival for Spiritual Music and Chanting that music in general, and especially spiritual music, is a channel for dialogue and meeting all people with their different beliefs, races and religions.

Namnam clarified that the realm of arts is a place for all souls, as people are all the children of Adam. He added that differences should create diversity not exclusion.

Regarding the Palestinian case, El Namnam praised the Palestinian history and heritage, as well as the nation's resistance against Israel.

He wished for peace to be spread around the world. He also stressed that there is no peace without the presence of an independent Palestinian state.

El Namnam expressed that President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi wished for peace for the whole world in his speech at the United Nations, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed on the importance of universal peace as well.

Intisar Abdel Fatah, the founder and director of the Samaa' Festival, said that this edition is the 10th celebration for the festival. It is considered a new beginning for Egypt to restore its leading cultural role.

The festival enhanced the concept of constructive dialogues between nations.

Abdel Fatah added that the festival carries a message of peace to the whole world, and it enhanced communicating with the other through the artistic workshops.

20 countries are participating in the festival, including India, Sudan, Greece, Tunisia, Syria and China.

The Samaa' International Festival for Spiritual Music and Chanting opening was attended by a number of officials, such as Palestinian Ambassador to Cairo Gamal El Shouky and the Bosnian Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture.

The opening was hosted at Be'r Youssef Theater at Salah El Din Citadel.