In an attempt to develop Old Cairo, Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh El-Damaty said his ministry has completed five projects, with 12 renovation projects still ongoing. According to a report presented by El-Damaty to Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb, which was revealed on Sunday, "21,065 antiquities were moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum. In the period between 2010 and 2014, 11,628 antiquities were moved". Regarding the restoration and transport process, 9,437 antiques were moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum in the period between September 2014 and May 2015. The report added that the number of antiquities moved in nine months is approximately equal to those moved in 54 months. El-Damaty added that, amongst the antiquities that arrived at the museum, 11,504 were restored using the latest tools and technologies. A total of 428 antiquities have recently been recovered from abroad, while 42 historic items are to be received soon, El-Damaty also said. He added that four agreements were signed to stop trafficking in antiquities and recover smuggled items, with 2,492 antiquities recovered. On the other hand, 10 archaeological sites have recently been discovered. He concluded that 30 archaeological sites as well as 12 museums were recently developed. Many cultural events were held in museums and archaeological sites, with exhibitions also held, locally and internationally, to display antiquities and to increase knowledge on the various historical eras for Egypt.
