Russia Today and Egyptian Satellite Channel 1 held a celebration at the Russian Cultural Center for the premiere of their new joint program, “The Road to the Stars,” which in a remarkable first have held an exclusive interview with Russian cosmonaut Alexei Zubritsky to the Egyptian and Arab public while he is on his spaceflight aboard the International Space Station – orbiting right above the pyramids.
The head of the National Media Authority, Ahmed al-Muslimani, explained that this program will allow viewers to ask the astronauts questions directly while they are at the station.
He stressed that supporting and promoting scientific media is a key priority and the core of the National Media Authority’s mission.
The director of Russia Today Arabic, Maya Manna, said that the achievements of the Russian space sector have fascinated millions worldwide.
The remarkable idea to interview an astronaut live in space has received significant support from Egyptian media, she added.
She said that the “Road to the Stars” project is further evidence of the strong and close media relations between Russia and Egypt.
Manna further noted the symbolism of holding this event on Egyptian soil visited by the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, in January/February 1962 as part of his “Friendship Orbit” mission.
The “Road to the Stars” program is presented by journalists Anna Knyshenko from Russia Today and Ahmed Naguib from Egyptian Television.
Numerous Egyptians asked the astronaut questions about the nature of life, movement, and communication with families in space.
Strengthening bonds
The Russian Ambassador to Cairo, Georgy Borisenko, highlighted his nation’s extensive bilateral cooperation with Egypt in the space field, including the manufacture of satellites and the installation of equipment on the International Space Station.
Projects such as this interview help in expanding the scope of interaction between Russian and Egyptian media and strengthening the historical friendship between the two peoples, he added.
He said that Russia is open to cooperating with the Egyptian Space Agency to pave the way together towards exploring the universe.
This partnership between Russia Today and Egyptian media reflects the ties between both nations and their cooperation in various sectors, all being achieved under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
