A two-week exhibition of Egypt's ancient culture and modern civilization opened in Beijing Wednesday.

Visiting Egyptian Minister of Education Hussein Kamel Bahaeddin cut the ribbon for the exhibition, which was cohosted by Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (BPAFFC) and the Egyptian Embassy in China.

The exhibition features over 100 works of art including papyrus paintings, modern stamps, portraits of famous Egyptian rulers and photos of jewelry in the time of pharaohs.

BPAFFC executive Vice President Han Xiufeng said both China and Egypt enjoyed long histories and colorful cultures. The exhibition would help increase China's understanding of Egypt, and enhance cultural exchanges and friendship between the two countries.

Egyptian Ambassador to China Ali Houssam El-din El-hefny said both Egypt and China were cradles of ancient civilizations and had made great contributions to the world's cultural heritage, thus it was of vital importance to strengthen cultural exchanges.

(People's Daily August 7, 2003)