Antiquities Ministry gearing up for Sharm Conference

The Antiquities Ministry is readying the key archaeological sites in the country ahead of the the Egyptian Economic Development Conference to start on Friday, a ministry official said Sunday.
World leaders, prime ministers, businessmen and economists are taking part in the the event.
"We are keen to highlight Islamic and Coptic antiquities in Egypt during the conference as they are the best proof on the loftiness of the Egyptian civilization," said Dr Mohamed Abel Latif, head of the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector at the ministry, during a visit to the plush Mena House Hotel that lies next to Pyramid Plateau.
Abdel Latif was accompanying Antiquities Minister Mamdouh Damaty and Giza Governor Khaled Zakaria Adli during the hotel visit.
He said the luxurious hotel is embellished with exquisite antiques and is characterized by its unique architecture.
Located on 40 acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House has played host to kings and emperors, heads of State and celebrities like King George V and Queen Mary, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Roger Moore, Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin.
After the hotel visit, the minister paid a surprise visit to Saladin Citadel to check on preparations for official delegations' visit expected during the conference.