Egyptian Ambassador to Japan Ayman Aly Kamel says he wants to convey the true image of Egypt and the Middle East in Japan.
"I would like to give a correct image, and project the true fact about the condition and development that my country and the Middle East managed to achieve during the past year," Kamel, who assumed his post in December, said Friday during a courtesy visit to The Japan Times.
Kamel has high expectations for the Japanese media to provide "fair coverage" of what is happening in the region, as some people regard it as a dangerous and unstable part of the world.
"My role is not to make propaganda, but to engage in public diplomacy, meaning we have to be active with the media," he said.
Egypt has a wealth of nature and a historically significant heritage to offer as tourist attractions, Kamel said, adding that the region can be a gateway for Japan to expand in the growing African market.
The ambassador said the best way to boost tourism and direct investment is to convey the actual situation in Egypt to the Japanese people, expressing hope that they will feel safe about visiting and expanding business in the Muslim country.
Kamel said he feels a fondness for Japan because the two countries have many values in common, such as traditions and respect toward the elderly.
He added that Japan should not be satisfied with just being an economic power and should boost its political presence in the world. He said partnering with Egypt will benefit Japan because it has a major say in the region, noting that it will also be the president of the African Union next year.
"Japan can benefit from a good relationship with Egypt," he said.
