BEIRUT, July 22 ,2018 (MENA) - Egyptian Culture Minister Inas Abdel Dayem said the ministry is working on a comprehensive strategy for confronting extremist thought. She made the remarks during an exclusive interview with MENA on the fringe of her participation in Baalbeck International Festival in Lebanon under the theme of "Baalbeck Remembers Umm Kulthum" which honours the legendary singer held in high esteem in Egypt and the entire Arab world. Abdel Dayem said the ministry seeks to upgrade cultural centres to activate their role and make them attractive to people of all ages, especially youths, to save them from being victims to extremist ideologies. She noted that the ministry had also opened centeres for talented children in various governorates to help them develop their artistic skills. These centres, she said, organise cultural and artistic workshops which present cultural and artistic activities through new techniques and a modern perspective. She noted that the huge cultural centre in the Sixth of October City - which was suspended for a long time - will be finalised soon. The minister explained that the centre will present almost all activities and arts found at Cairo Opera House. She added that several key cultural events will take place in Egypt this year, referring to ongoing preparations for the Arab culture ministers' meeting in collaboration with the Arab League, the Arabic Music Festival and the Cairo International Film Festival.
