Marking Science Day Wednesday, President Hosni Mubarak stressed the importance of freedom of opinion, thought and expression.

 

He added that it is neither possible nor acceptable to hijack the right of expression granted to thinkers and intellectuals.

 

Moreover, Egypt provides guarantees to all creative arts, the press, the media and translation.

He asserted that genuine efforts are now required; Egyptian scientists and intellectuals should play a key role in confronting problems using unconventional solutions offered by modern science and technology.

 

President Mubarak pointed out that the information community to which Egypt aspires is fundamental for building a modern society.

 

He confirmed that there is no place in our present world for those who are unable to cope with change, adding that those who are helpless will be stepping backward into the past. Mubarak called for taking action toward establishing the information society, encouraging science and scientists and expanding the base of scientific research.

 

President Mubarak hailed the contributions made by Egyptian scientists locally,  regionally and internationally.

 

During the ceremony, the President honored a number of scientists and researchers who were awarded Mubarak's prize for sciences, state merit prize for technological sciences, state and excellence prize.