The artefacts, identified as belonging to Egyptian civilization, were returned following cooperation between Greek and Egyptian authorities on cultural heritage protection and efforts to combat antiquities trafficking.
“The return of Egyptian antiquities to the Arab Republic of Egypt is an act of substantial respect for the cultural heritage of the peoples and a practical application of the principles governing international cooperation for its protection.” Mendoni said during the ceremony.
Firmly committed to the principles of the 1970 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention and its international obligations, Greece returns cultural property to where it historically, culturally, and morally belongs.
According to Mendoni, cooperation between Greek and Egyptian authorities, with the assistance of INTERPOL and judicial authorities, demonstrated the importance of international coordination in protecting cultural heritage.
“This act goes beyond the framework of a formal return of antiquities. It is a confirmation of the common values shared by Greece and Egypt: respect for cultural heritage, the common responsibility for its protection from illicit trafficking and the belief that cultural property should be located in its natural and historical space.”
“At the same time, it strengthens the long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two Mediterranean countries and contributes to the further deepening of their cooperation for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, as well as for the more effective coordination of their actions against antiquities trafficking.”
Egypt's ambassador to Greece, Omar Amer Youssef, welcomed the return of the artefacts.
“Today’s return of the Egyptian antiquities is an act of special symbolism, confirming the high level of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect between Egypt and Greece. Our two countries, bearers of great and timeless civilizations, are linked by historical ties that go beyond geographical proximity and extend to culture, education, and the ongoing dialogue between our peoples,” Youssef stated.
He added that the initiative highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage and proves that cultural cooperation can function as a strong bridge of friendship and understanding.
“I express my warm thanks to the Greek Government, the Ministry of Culture and all those who contributed to the return of these precious objects. I am certain that today is another important milestone in further strengthening the strategic relationship between Egypt and Greece, for the benefit of the two peoples and our common cultural heritage,” he concluded.
The artefacts were handed to the National Archaeological Museum in 2018 by a private citizen, according to Greek authorities. The objects were subsequently registered and examined by archaeologists and conservators.
According to the individual who delivered them, the artefacts were discovered by chance in the Peristeri area of Athens, wrapped separately inside a paper bag.
Greek authorities launched an investigation and informed the relevant departments of the Culture Ministry responsible for the documentation and protection of cultural property.
One of the objects bears the inscription "Arab el Madfuna"—the Arabic name of the ancient Egyptian city of Abydos—written in black ink on its reverse side.
Following documentation provided by Egyptian authorities and a prosecutorial review that found no criminal offence under Greek law, the Greek Culture Ministry authorised the export of the artefacts to Egypt in accordance with the 1970 UNESCO Convention.
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