Nilesat 102, a huge technological leap

Information Minister Safwat el-Sherif is pressing for a stronger Egyptian-French media cooperation now that Egypt's second satellite 'Nilesat 102' will be sent into orbit in August.

Sherif, in statements Sunday at the close of his visit to France during which he inspected the new satellite built by Matra Marconi Company, said that both 'Nilesat 102' and the older 'Nilesat 101' would enable Egypt to effect a major technological quality leap.

"The new satellite, in addition to its interactive, distance education and other services, will provide Egyptian and other Arab TV viewers with a cluster of top-quality Arab and foreign channels capable of competing with renowned TV networks while at the same time preserving national traditions and moral values," he emphasized.

During his talks in Paris, Sherif reached an agreement on beaming the first Egyptian-French-German cultural channel via "Nilesat 102" to viewers across the globe.