France has returned 23 Syrian antiquities to Syria after 15 years, with the handover ceremony taking place at the National Museum in Damascus coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Syrian capital. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The returned artifacts include Palmyrene funerary reliefs dating to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, which once adorned the walls of tombs, as well as a carved stone panel. Syrian authorities hailed the return as a significant step in preserving cultural heritage.
Museum employees unpacked the crates and displayed the antiquities to the public. Ayman Nabou, deputy director-general of Antiquities and Museums, spoke at the event. The return is seen as important for restoring Syria's cultural heritage and strengthening international cooperation.