As reported by the RA MFA press office to “Hayern Aysor”, the Academic Department of Alexandria Library hosted a conference devoted to prominent Egyptian-Armenian state figure, the first Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new era of Egypt Boghos Bek Yusufian. This year marks the 170^th death anniversary of Yusufian. The event was held in collaboration with the RA Embassy in Egypt and the Armenian Prelacy.

Among the speakers at the solemn opening session were Governor of Alexandria Tarek Mahdi, RA Ambassador to Egypt Armen Melkonyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese, Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan and Academic Affairs Director of Alexandria Library Ezza El-Khuli. Ambassador Melkonyan particularly spoke about the current Armenian-Egyptian relations and mentioned that the traditions that the prominent Armenian figures involved in Egypt’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19^th century lie at the core of those relations. “Unfortunately, in our days, we see manifestations of intolerance, xenophobia and racism, but the partnership hinged on dedication and mutual confidence can set an example for tolerance and co-existence,” said the RA Ambassador.

The more than dozen speeches were devoted to Boghos Bek-Yusufian’s activities and the Armenians’ notable contributions to society and culture in Egypt. Importance was attached to the assurance of the favorable environment in Egypt that has provided Armenian figures with the opportunity to express themselves. In his speech, genocide expert Mohammad Refat al-Imam touched upon the Armenians deported during the Armenian Genocide, their reception in Egypt and how they settled in the country.

Among the more than 200 listeners were foreign diplomats, professors of different universities, academics, representatives of the Armenian communities of Cairo and Alexandria, as well as students and journalists.

The next day, Governor Tarek Mahdi, Ambassador Melkonyan and Bishop Ashot Mnastakanyan visited the Armenian Prelacy of Alexandria where they had a cordial meeting with members of the Armenian community of Alexandria, after which the gathered respected the memory of Boghos Bek-Yusufian and Nubar Pasha Nubarian in front of their tombstones located in the yard of Alexandria.

Reference: Boghos Bek Yusufian (1768-1844) was the personal secretary and translator for Egypt’s governor Muhammad Ali. He has also held the offices of Foreign Trade Director, Customs Point Manager and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Affairs.

Founded in 2002, the Alexandria Library is the largest library in the region with 7-8 million books. The library is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, has specialized branches, digitalized archives, research centers, as well as museums and permanent exhibitions. The library holds regular local and international seminars, conferences and exhibitions.