Culture Minister Helmi Namnam held a phone call on Monday with head of Arab Writers Union Mohamed Salmawi to inquire after his health.

Salmawi is now taking physiotherapy sessions in Munich after a successful surgery.

He is expected to be home within 15 days.

"Salmawi is one of Egypt's top writers whom we are proud of," the minister said, wishing him speedy recovery to go back to his writings that enrich intellectual and cultural life in Egypt.

Salmawi congratulated the minister on the new post, hoping he would be able to spread Egyptian culture, preserve Egyptian identity and promote cultural awareness among Egyptians.

Salmawy has many published works in Arabic and other languages. His Arabic works include the plays I Shall Tell You All (1967), Come Back Tomorrow (1983), Salome (1986), Murderer at Large (1985), Next in Line (1983) and a book of short stories, The Man Who Regained His Memory (1983).