Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni handed over six Egyptian figurines to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Greece, Omar Amer Youssef. The objects had been discovered in Athens and were documented as products of illicit trafficking from Egypt. The handover ceremony took place at the National Archaeological Museum, underscoring the excellent cooperation between Greece and Egypt in the protection of cultural heritage and the fight against illicit trafficking of antiquities.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “The return of Egyptian antiquities to the Arab Republic of Egypt is an act of genuine respect for the cultural heritage of peoples and an active implementation of the principles governing international cooperation for its protection. Firmly committed to the principles of the 1970 UNESCO Convention and to its international obligations, Greece returns cultural goods where they rightfully belong, from a historical, cultural, and ethical perspective. The successful cooperation between the competent Greek and Egyptian authorities, with the assistance of INTERPOL and the judicial authorities, confirms that the protection of cultural heritage can only be achieved through cooperation, mutual assistance, and trust among states.

Today’s action goes beyond the framework of a routine antiquities’ return. It reaffirms the shared values of Greece and Egypt: respect for cultural heritage, the common responsibility to protect it from illicit trafficking, and the conviction that cultural objects should remain in their natural and historical context. At the same time, it strengthens the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two Mediterranean countries and contributes to the further deepening of their cooperation in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, as well as to more effective coordination in combating antiquities trafficking.”

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Greece, Omar Amer Youssef, stated: “Today’s return of the Egyptian antiquities is a highly symbolic act that confirms the high level of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect between Egypt and Greece. Our two countries, heirs to great and enduring civilizations, are bound by historical ties that extend beyond geographical proximity to encompass culture, education, and the continuous dialogue between our peoples. Today’s initiative highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage and demonstrates that cultural cooperation can serve as a powerful bridge of friendship and mutual understanding. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Greek Government, the Ministry of Culture, and everyone who contributed to the return of these valuable objects. I am confident that today marks yet another important milestone in further strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and Greece, for the benefit of both peoples and our shared cultural heritage.”

The objects had been delivered to the National Archaeological Museum in 2018 by a private citizen. They were registered in the Museum’s Accession Register and examined by the Museum’s archaeologists and conservators, who determined that four of the objects were genuine antiquities, while the remaining two were modern forgeries. According to the individual who handed them in, the objects had been found by chance in the suburb of Peristeri, in Athens, individually wrapped and placed inside a paper bag.