Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni has officially repatriated six Ancient Egyptian figurines to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Greece, Omar Amer Youssef. The artifacts were previously intercepted in Athens, where thorough investigations confirmed they had been illegally trafficked out of Egypt.
The repatriation ceremony took place at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, underscoring the strong and ongoing cooperation between Greece and Egypt in protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Highlighting the significance of the event, Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated:
“The return of these Egyptian antiquities to the Arab Republic of Egypt is an act of deep respect toward the cultural heritage of all nations, and a practical application of the principles governing international protection efforts.
Firmly committed to the principles of the 1970 UNESCO Convention and its international obligations, Greece returns cultural property to where it historically, culturally, and morally belongs. The successful cooperation between the competent Greek and Egyptian authorities, alongside the vital assistance of INTERPOL and the judiciary, proves that safeguarding cultural heritage can only be achieved through collaboration, mutual aid, and trust between states.”
Earlier in June, Greece repatriated to Cyprus 48 Cypriot antiquities, including limestone vases and figurines dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Medieval period.
Related: More Ancient Artifacts Repatriated to Greece from the US
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