ATHENS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greece received 22 antiquities from Israel on Tuesday, marking the first repatriation of antiquities from Israel to Greece, according to the Greek Culture Ministry.
At a handover ceremony at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni received the objects from Israeli Ambassador to Greece Pninat Yanay. The antiquities were identified and seized by the Israel Antiquities Authority's Theft Prevention Unit.
The collection comprises 15 Attic vessels, six vessels from Corinthian workshops and a bronze statuette depicting a female figure. The Attic vessels date to the Archaic and Classical periods, while the Corinthian vessels date to the Archaic period. The authenticity of the bronze statuette requires further investigation, the ministry said.
Mendoni said the return was particularly significant as it marked the first time Israel had returned antiquities to Greece, opening the way for closer bilateral cooperation to protect cultural heritage and combat antiquities trafficking.
"Effective action against illicit trafficking requires international cooperation, mutual trust and a shared commitment to the rule of law," she said.
Officials from the two countries are already exchanging experience and best practices to strengthen efforts to combat antiquities trafficking, according to the Culture Ministry. ■