Amman, April 18 (Petra) -- Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is hosting acclaimed Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass as part of its World Heritage Day celebrations, which falls annually on April 18.

According to a ministry statement released Friday, the visit aims to celebrate shared human heritage and strengthen international cooperation in cultural preservation and protection.

"This visit embodies the deep historical relations between Jordan and Egypt, which date back thousands of years," the ministry stated. "Both countries have served as cradles for successive human civilizations since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence in both nations continuing to narrate chapters of this shared history."

The visit focuses on exploring collaboration between Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Department of Antiquities, and the Zahi Hawass Archaeology and Heritage Foundation in preservation, restoration, excavation, and the exchange of archaeological expertise and data, alongside community awareness about heritage importance.

A highlight of the visit will be the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation to enhance cooperation in human resource development, documentation of archaeological discoveries, and support for educational and field programs in the antiquities sector.

During his visit to the Department of Antiquities, Dr. Hawass will view a documentary presentation on the discovery of a rare pharaonic inscription attributed to Ramses III in southern Jordan. Researchers Ahmad Lash from the Department of Antiquities and Dr. Ali Al-Manaseer from the Hashemite University will detail the efforts led by a joint Jordanian team to document this significant discovery.

Dr. Hawass will deliver a scientific lecture at Columbia University's American campus in Amman titled "Pyramids and Tutankhamun: Recent Discoveries," attended by specialists and academics in archaeology from various Jordanian universities.

The visit program includes a field trip to the Regional Conservation and Restoration Center in Jerash, the Citadel site in Amman, and the Islamic Ayla site in Aqaba, where Dr. Hawass is scheduled to participate in ongoing excavation work.

In recognition of his distinguished career and achievements in service of human heritage, Dr. Hawass will be honored by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Department of Antiquities during this visit.

Dr. Zahi Hawass is considered one of the world's foremost archaeologists, with pioneering contributions to Egyptology. He has held prestigious positions including Egypt's Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

He has contributed to important archaeological discoveries at sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids, with extensive scientific and intellectual contributions through more than 100 books and television programs on ancient Egyptian civilization.

//Petra// AA

18/04/2025 17:51:50