Egypt's amb. in Paris hails joint cooperation in protecting cultural heritage

PARIS - 27 October 2017: Egypt's Ambassador to France and permanent delegate to the UNESCO Ihab Badawi hailed cooperation between Egyptian and French authorities in the fields of protecting world cultural heritage and combating trafficking in cultural property and artifacts.

The remarks were made during a ceremony held by the French Culture Ministry on Thursday night on the occasion of handing over eight artifacts that date back to 3,000 years to Egypt. The Egyptian artifacts were seized by the French customs in 2010.

Badawi stressed mutual keenness of both countries on boosting cultural relations, pointing out to the agreement that has been inked, on Tuesday at the Élysée Palace on the sidelines of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The agreement is aimed at promoting cultural, educational and Francophone cooperation.

Badawi extended thanks to the French authorities especially the customs administration for restoring the artifacts and handing them over to Egypt.

He also expressed appreciation for the role played by UNESCO in order to protect the world heritage from trafficking as gains form such trafficking were proven to be used in funding terrorism worldwide.

The ceremony was attended by French Ambassador in Cairo Stephane Romatet along with senior French officials including France's Ambassador to the UNESCO Laurent Stefanini who highlighted Egypt's unique position in the organization.