"The inauguration of the center is a great event in the history of Sino-Egyptian cultural exchanges, and a positive step to strengthen strategic relations of cooperation between the two countries," visiting Chinese Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng said at the inaugural ceremony.

"The center will open a window on China, and could also be seen as a bridge linking the two ancient civilizations," he added.

Sun expressed hope that the Egyptians will learn more about China at the Chinese culture center.

For his part, Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Youssef Wali hailedthe event, saying the center will become an important base for cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The center is composed of a library, a language classroom and a main hall, in which the Egyptians would be able to learn the Chinese language free, read Chinese books and enjoy Chinese movies, Chinese culture officials said.

( People's Daily October 30, 2002)