China and Egypt have formalised a new partnership to advance maritime archaeology and safeguard underwater cultural heritage. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina between China’s National Centre for Archaeology and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
The agreement paves the way for establishing a joint centre in Alexandria dedicated to maritime archaeology and heritage preservation. Chinese Consul General in Alexandria, Yang Yi, noted that this cooperation will strengthen people-to-people ties, deepen the strategic partnership, and contribute to building a “shared future” between the two nations.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the SCA, highlighted that Egypt will benefit from China’s advanced expertise and technology in maritime exploration, excavation, and conservation.
The MoU outlines joint research projects, scientific conferences, training programs, and information exchange to enhance the skills of archaeologists and restorers.
China and Egypt have already expanded cooperation in archaeology. Since 2018, Chinese archaeologists have worked at the Montu Temple ruins in Luxor. Both countries are also collaborating on nominating China’s Baiheliang and Egypt’s Nilometers for UNESCO World Heritage status and digitally documenting thousands of ancient coffins discovered in Saqqara.
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