CAIRO, Egypt — This Saturday, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo joined world leaders in Cairo for the historic inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a landmark cultural event marking a new chapter in global heritage preservation and tourism.

Accompanied by First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, the Congolese Head of State was warmly received by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer el-Sisi before taking his place among distinguished guests.

The inauguration drew an exceptional gathering of more than 40 Heads of State and Government, including several monarchs, and nearly 100 international delegations, underscoring the museum’s global significance.

Twenty years in the making, the Grand Egyptian Museum is among the world’s largest and most ambitious cultural undertakings, designed to house the richest collection ever dedicated to a single civilization. With over 100,000 artifacts, half of which are on display, the GEM offers visitors a comprehensive journey through 5,000 years of Egyptian history across thirty dynasties.

At the heart of the museum’s vast collection lies its crown jewel,the treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, the nearly 5,000 funerary objects from his tomb are now displayed together for the first time in a single space.

Beyond its cultural importance, the $1 billion project is set to be a catalyst for Egypt’s economy, positioning the country as a premier destination for cultural and heritage tourism. Its cutting-edge design combines modern architecture with ancient inspiration, symbolizing a bridge between Egypt’s past and its dynamic present.

President Tshisekedi’s presence at the event reflects the strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Egypt. The two nations continue to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, from trade and education to infrastructure and cultural exchange, to advance mutual growth and development.