Sending a global and powerful message in support of the repatriation of cultural property—and demonstrating in practice that the claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from London is not a one-sided demand—the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, handed over to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Greece, Omar Amer Youssef, six Egyptian figurines. These had been discovered in Athens and were documented as having been the result of illegal trafficking from Egypt.

The objects had been delivered in 2018 to the National Archaeological Museum by a private citizen. They were recorded in the Museum’s Entry Book and examined by archaeologists and conservators, who determined that four were ancient artifacts, while the remaining two were forgeries. According to the statement of the person who handed them over, the objects were allegedly found by chance in the area of Peristeri, wrapped separately and placed in a paper bag.

The National Archaeological Museum immediately informed the competent services of the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate for Documentation and Protection of Cultural Property (DDPCP), and the Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programs (DAMEEP).

The DDPCP sought, through INTERPOL, information from the relevant Egyptian authorities, as there were strong indications that the objects had been illegally trafficked out of Egypt. In particular, one of them bears, written in black ink on its reverse side, the inscription “Arab el Madfuna,” the Arabic name of the ancient Egyptian city of Abydos. At the same time, the case was referred to the police and prosecutorial authorities for investigation of any criminal offences.

Following documentation provided by the Egyptian authorities via diplomatic notes, and a relevant prosecutorial decision by the Athens First Instance Prosecutor’s Office—according to which the case file was archived as no criminal offence was established under Law 4858/2021—the Directorate proceeded with issuing an export permit for the objects to Egypt, in accordance with the provisions of the UNESCO 1970 Convention.

The handover ceremony of the Egyptian antiquities took place at the National Archaeological Museum, sealing the excellent cooperation between Greece and Egypt in the field of cultural heritage protection and the fight against antiquities trafficking.

“The return of Egyptian antiquities to the Arab Republic of Egypt constitutes an act of substantive respect for the cultural heritage of peoples and a practical application of the principles governing international cooperation for its protection,” said Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, adding: “Today’s act goes beyond the framework of a formal return of antiquities. It confirms the shared values of Greece and Egypt: respect for cultural heritage, joint responsibility for its protection from illicit trafficking, and the belief that cultural property must be located in its natural and historical context. At the same time, it strengthens the long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two Mediterranean countries and contributes to further deepening their cooperation in protecting and promoting cultural heritage, as well as in more effectively coordinating their actions against antiquities trafficking.”

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Greece, Omar Amer Youssef, stated: “Today’s return of Egyptian antiquities is an act of particular symbolism, confirming the high level of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect between Egypt and Greece. Our two countries, carriers of great and timeless civilizations, are linked by historical ties that go beyond geographical proximity and extend to culture, education, and continuous dialogue between our peoples. This initiative highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage and demonstrates that cultural cooperation can serve as a strong bridge of friendship and understanding. I extend my warm thanks to the Greek government, the Ministry of Culture, and all those who contributed to the return of these valuable objects. I am confident that today marks another important milestone in further strengthening the strategic relationship between Egypt and Greece, for the benefit of both peoples and our shared cultural heritage.”