Zahi Hawas When I went to the Dominican Republic, the only person I knew was Carlos Morales Troncoso, the minister of foreign affairs. I consider him to be a great man and I believe he will be a leader of the Dominican Republic in the future. When you meet him, you will instantly be attracted to his personality, strength, and kindness. When Farouk Hosni, the Egyptian minister of culture, was nominated to be the next UNESCO director- general, I will never forget how Troncoso stood by Egypt and offered his endorsement from the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic, at the time, was the head of the South American coalition of UNESCO. This put Troncoso in a position to help Egypt and Hosni. I was informed that Father Alonso, the dean of the Catholic University in the Dominican Republic, and the Dominican Embassy in Egypt, wanted to bestow on me an honorary doctorate. I have received two honorary doctorates previously, one from the American University in Cairo and one from Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand. I am humbled by this recognition, but it also reminds me of the work that still needs to be done. The president of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernàndez, also expressed a desire to meet Omar Sharif, as he is a great fan of Sharif's work and even named his son Omar. When I arrived at the university, I was received by Father Alonso and my friend Troncoso. Wearing the university robes, I was ushered into a beautifully decorated auditorium where I was greeted by a choir of students. The big surprise was the speech made by Father Alonso. I am very privileged because this is the first time that the university has given a doctorate degree to a non-Catholic. Father Alonso told the auditorium that I "made stone to be a living stone". This is in reference to 1988, when a large chunk of stone fell from the Sphinx's shoulder. Father Alonso spoke from his heart, and I will always value this speech. It has since been published on my website. I received many comments from friends who have read the speech. One of my friends said that Father Alonso's speech was equal to the honour of the doctorate degree. After the speech, I was presented with my honorary degree -- a certificate, a medal and a ring, and I became a member of the university. I am very proud to have a degree from this university, the oldest in the Americas. Troncoso also gave a moving speech in which he praised my efforts to preserve and protect Egypt's heritage. I have to say that this is one of the greatest events in my life. When I was listening to Troncoso's speech, I believed that he could be the next president of the Dominican Republic because of his dedication and affection for his country. He is a great man, and the Dominican Republic is fortunate to have him as a citizen. My visit to the Dominican Republic with Sharif made me proud to see how the name of Egypt has spread across the world. This week I met officials from the Dominican Republic Embassy in Egypt. I have decided to choose one child from the Dominican Republic to receive a scholarship with help from the First Lady, Margarita Cedeño de Fernàndez. In addition, I invited President Fernàndez, the first lady, Troncoso, and Kathleen Martinez, the Dominican archaeologist searching for Cleopatra, to attend the opening of the exhibition called "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt" in Philadelphia in June. I want to emphasise the archaeological cooperation between Egypt and the Dominican Republic, particularly the joint excavation mission in search of the tombs of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Anthony at Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria. The Dominican people are hospitable and friendly, and I want sincerely to thank them for the memorable experience.
