The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities successfully restored two smuggled archaeological statues in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prosecutor General Office, and the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels.
Egyptian Ambassador to Brussels Khaled El Baqaly received the illegally smuggled artifacts.
The Head of the Antiquities Restitution Department Shaaban Abdel Gawad said that one artifact dates back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt and it is made from limestone, while the other is made from blue faience and it dates back to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt.
The process of getting those statues back to their homeland started in 2016, after the Belgian authorities found the both artifacts in an antiquities store without extracting any kinds of formal permissions or official documents.
In the same context, El Baqaly received the artifacts in a prestigious celebration that attended by several Belgian officials.
During his speech, the ambassador asserted the importance of such an event to reflect the strength of the both states ties. In addition, it paves the way for both countries to deepen their cooperation and coordination for several issues, including the issue of restoring smuggled Egyptian antiquities.
He concluded by calling all Belgians to visit Egypt and enjoy its sites.
Contributed by Rana Atef
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