Latest news with #UNESCOConvention
Egypt Independent
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt recovers two smuggled artifacts from Belgium
Egypt's Ambassador to Belgium Ahmed Abu Zeid has received two smuggled artifacts in an official ceremony held at the Art and History Museum in Brussels. The move comes in light of the existing cooperation and coordination between the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels and the Belgian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy, as well as the federal prosecutor's office of Belgium, which resulted in recovering two ancient Egyptian items, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Friday 11/7/2025. The first artifact is a gilded wooden sarcophagus from the Ptolemaic era, while the other ancient piece is a beard of a wooden statue dating back to the ancient Egyptian civilization. Speaking at the ceremony, Abu Zeid said that Egypt attaches great importance to restoring all smuggled artifacts in accordance with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, extending thanks to Belgium's authorities for their cooperation in recovering the two relics. The ambassador stated that he looks forward to fostering collaboration with the Belgian government in retrieving Egyptian antiquities and raising awareness about the significance of countering the illicit trafficking of cultural property, which represents the common human heritage of the world.
See - Sada Elbalad
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Emb. in Belgium Successfully Reclaims Two Ancient Artifacts
ali abo deshish In an official ceremony held at the Museum of Art and History in the Belgian capital, Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt's In an official ceremony held at the Museum of Art and History in the Belgian capital, Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt's Ambassador to Belgium received two ancient Egyptian artifacts, marking the beginning of their return to Egypt. to Belgium received two ancient Egyptian artifacts, marking the beginning of their return to Egypt. This achievement comes as part of ongoing collaboration between the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels, the Belgian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy, and the Belgian Public Prosecutor's Office. The successful recovery of these two invaluable pieces includes a wooden coffin dating back to the Ptolemaic era (between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE), inscribed with gilded writings and drawings, and a wooden beard from a statue belonging to ancient Egyptian civilization. In his speech during the celebration, Abu Zeid expressed his pride at the return of these precious artifacts to Egypt. He emphasized the significance of the Egyptian government and people's ongoing commitment to recovering looted Egyptian antiquities from abroad. The Ambassador also extended his gratitude to the Belgian authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the return of these items. The ambassador highlighted the cultural and historical importance of these artifacts as representations of the artistic brilliance of Egyptian civilization through the ages. He expressed his hope to continue working closely with Belgian counterparts to strengthen cooperation in the field of artifact repatriation, and to raise awareness about the importance of combating the illicit trade in cultural property. He emphasized that Egypt is fully dedicated to recovering all of its smuggled antiquities, in line with the 1970 UNESCO Convention. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Maroc
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco Has Taken Bold Steps Against Illicit Trade of Cultural Goods
Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has undertaken bold measures to combat the illicit trade of cultural goods, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid said on Monday in Rabat. Speaking at the opening of an international conference on 'the role of customs in the fight against the illicit trade of cultural goods', Bensaid said that Morocco is committed to cultural heritage and values cultural goods, pointing out that these goods 'are not mere artifacts or works of art, but are living testimonies of successive civilizations, a collective memory of Humanity and priceless treasures that reflect human creativity and civilizational interaction over centuries'. The minister also pointed out that international criminal networks exploit conflicts and crises, while taking advantage of legal and technological loopholes to smuggle these goods out of their countries of origin. 'We have strived to strengthen our legal and judicial framework, in line with the relevant international conventions, notably the 1970 UNESCO Convention', he said, noting that the ministry has also stepped up efforts in the fields of digitization and cultural property inventory, the first line of defense against theft and smuggling. He added that the new law had come into force with new and important provisions aimed at limiting all harmful practices that threaten cultural heritage. Held from June 30 to July 5 by ICESCO in collaboration with the Qatar General Customs Authority and the Qatar National Library, this international conference will feature several activities, including three meetings and a regional workshop during which two specialized training courses will be given: 'Essential skills for the protection of cultural property' and 'Tools and technologies used by customs for the protection of cultural property'. MAP: 30 June 2025
Ya Biladi
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco steps up fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods
Morocco has taken proactive measures to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, said Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, on Monday in Rabat. Speaking at the opening of an international conference on «The Role of Customs in the Fight Against the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Goods», Bensaid emphasized that such items «are not merely artifacts or works of art, but living testimonies of successive civilizations, a collective memory of humanity, and invaluable treasures that symbolize human creativity and civilizational interaction over the centuries». «We have worked to strengthen our legal and regulatory framework in line with relevant international conventions, particularly the 1970 UNESCO Convention», he noted. The ministry has also ramped up efforts in digitization and the inventorying of cultural assets considered the first line of defense against theft and smuggling. He added that a new law has come into force, introducing key provisions aimed at curbing practices that threaten cultural heritage. On the operational front, Bensaid underlined the importance of «enhancing the capacities of security and judicial systems in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of these crimes, in close collaboration with international security bodies and partner institutions». He also highlighted that numerous cultural restitution operations have been carried out in partnership with countries such as the United States and Chile. In the same vein, Bensaid pointed to several additional measures aimed at developing joint strategies and practical solutions, such as combating black markets, increasing oversight of art auctions, and launching initiatives to support affected countries in protecting their heritage and reclaiming stolen items. These efforts, he added, also involve harnessing new technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, to trace and catalog cultural goods at their source. He stressed the importance of education and cultural engagement in raising awareness among younger generations about the protection of heritage.
Morocco World
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Steps Up Efforts in Battle Against Cultural Property Trafficking
Berlin — Morocco has taken decisive action to confront the illegal trade of cultural property. The announcement came Monday in Rabat, where Minister of Youth, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, opened the work of an international conference dedicated to the role of customs in this global fight. Bensaid described Morocco's approach as both firm and forward-looking. Morocco, he said, views its cultural heritage not as a collection of objects, but as a reflection of human civilization. 'These treasures carry the memory of humanity,' he stated, 'and bear witness to the creativity and dialogue that have shaped our world.' International criminal networks continue to exploit conflict zones, legal loopholes, and gaps in technology to smuggle cultural artifacts across borders. Morocco, in response, has focused on tightening its legal arsenal in line with international agreements, including the 1970 UNESCO Convention. The minister noted the importance of digital tools and documentation in the protection of heritage. Cataloging cultural assets, he said, now forms the first line of defense against theft and smuggling. A new national law has come into force, introducing fresh restrictions aimed at shutting down harmful practices that threaten cultural property. On the ground, Morocco works to boost the capacity of its security and judicial systems. Morocco's intensified efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage send a clear and defiant message to Algeria, which has repeatedly attempted to appropriate iconic elements of Moroccan identity. From falsely claiming the caftan to rebranding the intricate zellige tilework, Algeria has engaged in a calculated campaign to distort historical truth and erase Morocco's cultural legacy. These provocations have not gone unnoticed. Bensaid called for deeper cooperation with international partners to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of cultural crimes. Recent operations with countries such as the US and Chile have already led to the recovery of stolen heritage items. The minister did not hold back when describing the damage caused by illicit trafficking. He called it an attack on collective memory, a force that strengthens terrorism and organized crime, and a direct obstacle to sustainable development. The problem, he said, requires more than institutional response. Raising awareness must reach beyond experts and authorities. Society at large, citizens, educators, civil institutions, must understand what is at stake. 'Cultural property crosses borders,' he warned, 'and the crimes committed against it do not stop at any frontier.' The conference, organized by ICESCO in cooperation with Qatar's General Authority of Customs and the National Library of Qatar, brings together specialists from around the world. Over the course of the week, participants will take part in high-level meetings and a regional workshop, including two targeted training sessions. These focus on core skills in cultural protection and the customs technologies used to safeguard heritage. Bensaid emphasized the need for shared strategies. Morocco supports global efforts to close black markets, monitor art auctions, and assist conflict-affected countries in recovering their stolen heritage. New technologies, including AI and blockchain, now play a key role in tracking and preserving these assets. He also stressed the importance of passing this responsibility to future generations. 'The protection of cultural heritage is not only a duty,' he said, 'but a long-term investment. We must act together, now, to ensure these symbols of civilization remain within reach for those who come after us.'
