Cairo: Egypt announced on Thursday the successful retrieval of 17 ancient artifacts originating from various historical periods, which had been held in Australia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement was made through a Foreign Ministry statement, revealing that Deputy Foreign Minister Nabil Habashi met with Tony Burke, Australian Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration, and Arts. During the meeting, they signed documents facilitating the return of the rare Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt. The ministry, however, did not provide specific details about the artifacts or the circumstances under which they were removed from Egypt.

Egypt's archaeological heritage has long been vulnerable to looting and theft across different historical eras, prompting ongoing efforts by the authorities to recover stolen pieces. The return of these artifacts marks a significant achievement in these efforts.

Habashi expressed gratitude towards the Australian government for its decision to return the artifacts, highlighting its significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Australia.

The Foreign Ministry statement attributed the successful return to persistent follow-up efforts by the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney. These efforts, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, were tied to a legal case in the Australian judiciary, active since 2019. The case was resolved with Australia's High Court ruling on September 3, 2025, which ordered the seizure of the artifacts from a private company and their return to Egypt.

Egypt, renowned for its ancient antiquities and home to the Pyramid of Khufu, continues to prioritize the preservation and recovery of its cultural heritage.