Egypt announced on Monday the successful recovery of 25 rare artifacts from the United States, each representing various eras of ancient Egyptian civilization and bearing significant historical and cultural value.
In an official statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the artifacts had been illegally smuggled abroad and were returned thanks to joint efforts involving the Egyptian Consulate General in New York, the New York City Attorney General’s Office, and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The process also included extended negotiations with private individuals who possessed some of the items, reports Al-Rai.
The retrieved collection includes stone and wooden coffin lids, as well as funerary masks crafted from pottery and gilded wood. These pieces reflect the evolution of Egyptian religious beliefs and artistic excellence, particularly the lifelike portrayals characteristic of the Greek and Roman periods.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aati personally took part in the official handover process, led by a joint committee from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Antiquities. He emphasized the state’s strong commitment to retrieving looted cultural heritage and restoring it to its rightful place.
Dr. Abdel Aati commended the relentless efforts of Egyptian embassies and consulates abroad, as well as the coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Public Prosecution, and other state institutions dedicated to preserving Egypt’s rich historical legacy.
