SHARJAH: The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities appreciated the initiative of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to restore the Egyptian Academy building which was burnt down a few days ago.

Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs Mohammed Ibrahim said in a statement to Al Khaleej: “This generous initiative taken by a cultured Ruler who values history and culture adds to the enormous stock of His Highness, who always supports culture and heritage in Egypt and the Arab world.”

Ibrahim said in a press conference on Tuesday that his ministry has decided to address the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr Fayza Abul Naga, to activate the initiative of Sheikh Sultan for the maintenance of the scientific complex. He also praised the important role played by Sheikh Sultan in enriching the Arab cultural life and in the preservation of Arabian identity. Ibrahim has confirmed that it is no strange trait of Sheikh Sultan that he always lends support to enriching Arabian cultural life.

Ibrahim greeted Dr Frederick Meteran and the French Minister of Culture for his offer to recruit the French Library Arts to contribute to the restoration of the Academy building.

Ibrahim confirmed that the Ministry would rebuild the complex after calm was restored in the region, noting that the restoration of the building would take about a year at a cost of EGP2.5 million.