The Egyptian Tourism Minister Zuhair Garranah and Lebanese Tourism Minister Joseph Sarkis signed the protocol of cooperation in the field of tourism between Egypt and Lebanon, at a press conference held at the Nile Hilton Hotel. Following the signing ceremonies, Garranah said the memo aimed at boosting ties between the two countries, and promoting cooperation in different fields. Sarkis added that the signing of the memorandum was a sign of tourist cooperation between Egypt and Lebanon. He expressed the hope to boost the tourist movement in the Arab countries. Among the attendees were Chairman of Egypt's Tourism Authority Promotion Ahmed El-Khadem, Director-General of Lebanese Ministry of Tourism Nada Al-Sardouk and an illustrious constellation of media figures. photo: Khatchig Wanis The French Ambassador Philippe Coste honoured the Mexican Ambassador Jaime Nualart with the Legion of Grande Official. Among the guests were Al-Ahram writer Sherif El-Choubashi, former foreign minister Ahmed Maher and Spanish Ambassador to Egypt Antonio Lopez Martinez. photos: Mohamed Wassim The first Egyptian National Theatre Festival was held on 10 July, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni declared the opening ceremony at Al-Gumhuriya Theatre. My colleague Ghada Abd El-Kader attended. The Jury Committee was headed by Saad Ardash, and included among its members composer Ragah Dawoud, director Samir Ahmed, former ballerina and head of the Ballet Institute Magda Ezz. Committee members also included critic Nehad Selaiha, journalist Louise Greiss, actor Mahmoud Yassin, director Hani Motawe and drama writer Youssri El-Guindi. The president of the festival Ashraf Zaki and Hosni had honoured four figures for their great contribution to the world of Egyptian theatre and art at large. The well known actors were prominent comedian Fouad El-Mohandis, and his peer the late, great Abdel-Moneim Madbouli who passed away this week. Honoured as well was the late stage and television actor Hamdi Ghaith and the well-known actor Hussein El-Sherbini. El-Sherbini told me "I was totally surprised and moved by the reaction of the audience; this was the greatest award I have ever taken." Zaki said 33 bands have participated in competing for 13 awards. The opening overture was directed by Walid Awni. Among the attendees were actor Ezzat El-Alaili, and actresses Karima Mokhtar, Laila Taher and Fardos Abdel-Hameed. Present as well was stage diva Samiha Ayoub and the head of Al-Hanager Arts Centre Hoda Wasfi. The honorary ceremony was followed by a performance of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen 's ground-breaking play, A Doll's House. The play was translated into Arabic by Kamal Youssef, and directed by Gamal Yaqout. The actors of the spectacle were Iman Mohamed, El-Said Qabil, Mohamed El-Amrousi, Ahmed El-Said, Yasmine Said and Heba Mohamed. I admired their acting. It was so true to life! Chairman of the Board of Akhbar Al-Yom Mohamed Ahdi Fadli, and Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al-Nogoom magazine Amal Osman held a reception at the Cairo Opera House. This was in honour of the winners of the First Disque D'or for the years 2005/2006. The winners were charming singer Nancy Ajram and pop singers Wael Gassar and Mohamed Hamaqi. Among the guests were ravishing actresses Nabila Ebeid, Nadia El-Guindi, Libliba, Athar El-Hakim, Tayseer Fahmi, and veteran actors Ezzat El-Alaili and Samir Sabri. The President of the Egyptian-European Council Ibrahim Kamal hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the G8. The party was held at the Diplomatic Club. Among the attendees were European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel and Vice- President and the Chief Executive of the Egyptian European Council Ihab Sorour. Miss Lebanon 2006 Gabrielle Bou-Rached and Miss Egypt 2006 Fawzia Mohamed arrived to California, for registration and fitting for the 2006 Miss Universe Competition at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, Los Angeles. They will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2006 at the 55th annual Miss Universe Competition in Los Angeles. We wish them the best of luck!
