In a vibrant display of cultural diplomacy celebrating Francophonie in Egypt, and under the auspices of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Cairo (GAAF), the Romanian Embassy, with the support of the French Institute and the French Embassy, hosted a very special Iftar. The event, which is poised to become a true tradition, brought together the embassies of the member states of the General Assembly, as well as partners and friends from the Francophone community in Egypt to celebrate dialogue and peace, diversity and youth, and the richness of shared values.
On the occasion of the Iftar, a celebration where culture and gastronomy converge, the event revived the spirit of Francophonie and marked 120 years of bilateral relations between Romania and Egypt. Moreover, guests discovered a unique tribute to one of the greatest Romanian creators of all time, Constantin Brâncuși. This first tribute in Egypt featured an open-air exhibition showcasing his most famous works, as well as an exhibition in the Embassy’s salons displaying contemporary creations inspired by his immense legacy.
The Iftar witnessed the presence of Personal Representative of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for Francophonie, Ambassador Fatma Etman Zaraa, Ambassador Amr El-Sherbiny, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, Assistant Foreign Minister for Cultural Relations, Ambassador Wael Naggar, David Sadoulet, Director of the French Institute in Egypt, Ambassadors of the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, RD Congo, Canada, Albania, Ireland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Vietnam, Cambodia, deputies to the embassy of Tunisia, Greece, Dominican Republic, Cyprus, among attendees, presidents of the Senghor University, of the French University in Egypt, Directors of all French high schools in Cairo, representative of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, business people, artists, academics, diplomats, media figures, and journalists.
The Romanian Ambassador to Egypt, Olivia Toderean, reaffirmed the „exceptional partnership” between Romania and France while celebrating the shared values of the Francophonie. Ambassador Toderean highlighted Romania’s significant global standing as the 7th largest contributor to the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), emphasizing a commitment to building a „vibrant and lasting bond” with Egypt. She added that the evening was a unique tribute marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși.
To bring his legacy to the Egyptian public, the Embassy transformed its exterior railings into an open-air gallery of his most iconic works. Inside, the exhibition took an innovative turn: mirrors were converted into frames to showcase the creations of 21 contemporary artists from the Inter Art Foundation AIUD, all paying homage to Brâncuși’s minimalist spirit.
Ambassador Toderean speeched, „Brâncuși is both a Franco-Romanian figure and a global Francophone icon,” inviting guests to let his art inspire the same „openness and encounter of cultures” that defines the Francophone world today. She concluded, „I warmly invite you to discover them this evening and to let Brâncuși’s art, like the Francophonie itself, inspire us to dream, exchange ideas, and come together.”
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