Empfang anlässlich des ägyptischen Nationalfeiertags 27. Juni 2014, 12:00 Uhr, Residenz des Generalkonsuls, Harvestehuder Weg 50

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1 Seite 1 von 7 Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg Behörde für Wissenschaft und Forschung Zweite Bürgermeisterin Empfang anlässlich des ägyptischen Nationalfeiertags 27. Juni 2014, 12:00 Uhr, Residenz des Generalkonsuls, Harvestehuder Weg 50 Es gilt das gesprochene Wort. Dear Consul General, Dear Doyen, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your invitation to celebrate the Egyptian National Holiday with you. This marks a day in July 1952 when your country was transformed from a monarchy into an independent republic.

2 Seite 2 von 7 Every year on the 3 rd of October, Germany s own national day, the Tag der Deutschen Einheit the Day of German Unity we celebrate the political unification of our country, the victory of democracy, of human rights, of freedom of opinion and of rule of law. When Egypt celebrates its national holiday this year, it is clear that a historical turning point lies behind your country. Much as in the former East Germany, great dissatisfaction with the previous social and political conditions has led to a political roller coaster ride, and finally to the victory of President Al-Sisi in the presidential elections that were held a few weeks ago. Many Germans have followed the democratic transformation in Egypt with great interest and involvement. We hope that your country will continue to pursue its path toward becoming a constitutional

3 Seite 3 von 7 democracy. And we hope that your new president will be able to bring the current economic and social crisis under control and that human rights violations will no longer be acceptable in the new Egypt. In regard to the stabilisation of the economy and the country, let us hope that, now that the elections have taken place, the situation in the country will continue to become calmer and that more tourists will again come to your country in search of the traces of your ancient, precious culture. After all, no other advanced civilization of the ancient world has continued to fascinate people all over the world as much as that of the Egyptians. Its political, religious, cultural and scientific achievements have influenced all of humanity for 6,000 years now. Our relations may not always have been harmonious. But the Orient and the Occident have

4 Seite 4 von 7 long been partners in a scientific, technological and cultural exchange. As the Arab country with the largest population, Egypt plays a key role for the entire region. Globalisation has intensified relations between our countries in a way that would have been unimaginable even a few years ago. Working together collaboratively as partners across the Mediterranean is something we now take for granted. Today Germany is one of Egypt s most important business partners, with an annual trading volume of around four billion euros. Hamburg has also been profiting from this for quite some time now. Almost 500 companies are involved in the business relations that exist between Hamburg and Egypt, and 95 of them have a local presence. Many Hamburg companies are active in your country and

5 Seite 5 von 7 value Egypt as an attractive, trustworthy and reliable partner. We all share a desire to deepen our mutual knowledge in regard to politics, culture, business and other social spheres and to strengthen the relationships between our two countries. The German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), headquartered in Hamburg, is an example of how this can be done. This renowned scientific institute researches political, economic and social developments in various regions of the world. A key area involves the transformation processes in the nations of the Middle East. The Institute s strategic analyses of the development of Egypt in the past three years have provided important stimuli to the political and social debates here in our country. Aside from these, there are the cultural contacts: Anyone who would like to learn about the advanced

6 Seite 6 von 7 civilization of ancient Egypt can do so at the Museum für Völkerkunde the Museum of Ethnology in Hamburg, for example. Exhibited here are a great number of items from ancient Egypt, including large objects such as mummy covers and mummies. I am convinced, however, that a better understanding of a different culture is best served by relationships on a personal level. This can be accomplished not only by visiting one another, but also through the approximately 1500 Egyptians who live in Hamburg. And with the help of organisations like the Arab Cultural Forum which, along with the Literaturhaus Hamburg and the Goethe Institute Hamburg, organize the Arabische Literaturtage (Arabic Literature Days). The Arabic Culture Weeks, which have been taking place in Hamburg on a regular basis for ten years now, also anchor Egypt in the minds and hearts of the people of Hamburg.

7 Seite 7 von 7 And, last but not least, the General Consulate also helps to energize the relationship between our two countries with events like the one we are celebrating today. Ladies and Gentlemen, In the name of the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, I would like to congratulate all Egyptians on your national holiday and wish your country continued progress in its development in the spirit of democracy.