Culture Minister Helmy el Namnam and South Sinai governor Khaled Fouda inaugurated the first edition of the Youth Theater International Festival in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el Sheikh on Friday night.

The event is held under the supervision of the culture, tourism and youth ministries and South Sinai local authorities.

It kicked off yesterday and will last until January 15.

"Today we lay down the foundation stone of this festival," Namnam said in an inaugural speech Friday night.

He said he is confident the festival would be successful and that many editions would follow.