Words of welcome

Welcome by the chair of LOC

It is my great honour and that of the Local Organizing Committee to welcome you in Cairo, Egypt to participate in the XIXth Regional Congress of the ISBT, Eastern Mediterranean & Europe, to be held in Cairo, March 21-25, 2009.

For the first time, an ISBT Regional Congress will be held in the Middle East. The Local Organizing Committee is planning to commit for a state of the art scientific program which will include all the subjects that interest all workers in blood transfusion services. A range of highly reputable international and regional speakers and experts in the blood transfusion field will be invited to deliver the up-to-date information and knowledge to the participants.

The local organizing committee is dedicated to provide a spectacular social program in Cairo and amazing trips in the whole of Egypt to the delegates and their accompanying persons.

Cairo - the Triumphant City - is the glorious capital of Egypt, the cradle of civilization and the beacon of religion. It is the largest city in the Middle East and Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leadingto, and from the three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Near by lie the great pyramids of Giza. There are also ancient temples and tombs, magnificent Christian and Muslim monuments, and Egyptian antiquities museum.

Greater Cairo extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta. It is the city where, past and present meet. On its east side stands the evidence of 2000 years of cosmopolitan culture still flurishing to this day. On its west side lays the Ancient Egyptian city of Memphis (Giza), the renowned capital of the Old Kingdom and the site of the Pyramids, the only wonder surviving of the Seven Wonders of the World. Indeed, a journey through Cairo is a journey through time... A journey, through the history of an immortal civilization.

We cordially invite all of you to attend this congress and enjoy the prestigious scientific program , life time social events, inspiring oriental cuisine, and a culture that goes back to many thousands of years.

Dr. Faten Moftah
Chair of the Local Organising Committee