Cairo: Egypt has successfully recovered 36 ancient artifacts from the United States as part of its initiative to reclaim antiquities that were illegally smuggled out of the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the artifacts were retrieved from New York and have been handed over by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This action aligns with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to protect and preserve Egypt's cultural heritage.

The collection of recovered items includes 11 artifacts that were seized by the Office of the New York State Attorney General. These artifacts were then transferred to Egypt's Consulate General in New York. Additionally, 24 rare Coptic and Syriac manuscripts have been repatriated, along with a painted limestone relief from the 18th Pharaonic Dynasty, which had been part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The statement from the Ministry highlights that this repatriation effort demonstrates Egypt's ongoing commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage. It also emphasizes the country's dedication to enforcing the Antiquities Protection Law and adhering to international conventions that combat the illicit trade of cultural property.