Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hands Over Rare Artifacts Recovered from Japan and Switzerland to Minister of Culture

On 11 February 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, handed over rare artifacts to the Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al Badrani, during an official ceremony held at the Iraqi National Museum.

In a joint press conference, Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his happiness at attending this event pointing out the importance of the recovered artifacts that tell the stories of ancient Iraqi civilizations, the Minister indicated that these artifacts were recovered from Japan and Switzerland and affirmed that Iraq is continuing its diplomatic approach to recover its national heritage.

The Foreign Minister added that the retrieve diplomacy adopted by the ministry resulted in the recovery of tens of thousands of smuggled artifacts, despite the complex legal and negotiating challenges they faced, affirming that this achievement was accomplished through close cooperation with countries and international organizations concerned with preserving cultural property.

The Minister added that this new year started with the recovery of the statue of the sun god Maran Shamash, and rare Assyrian relics dating back to the eighth century BC, as well as textile paintings from the ancient caves of Al-Tar in Karbala, which were loaned to the Japanese mission since 1975, the Minister explained that these pieces are not just archaeological remains, but rather represent part of the Iraqi national identity.

The Minister also appreciated the diplomatic efforts made by the Legal Department at the Foreign Ministry and the staff of the Iraqi embassies in Tokyo and Bern, in coordination with the relevant institutions in Japan and Switzerland, underlining that protecting the historical heritage is a shared responsibility that requires continuous international cooperation.

At the end of his speech, Minister Fuad Hussein thanked all parties that contributed to the recovery of these pieces, considering it a historic step that strengthens the connection between the past and present and establish a future that preserve this heritage for future generations. As well Minister Hussein called for intensifying local and international efforts to recover the rest of the Iraqi antiquities, as they are a human legacy that embodies the emergence of civilization on this earth.

On his part, the Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al Badrani, extended his thanks to the Foreign Ministry represented by Minister Fuad Hussein, and to all parties that contributed to the recovery of these antiquities, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to protect the Iraqi heritage.