Egypt Recovers 17 Rare Ancient Egyptian Artifacts from Australia

 

Egypt and Australia have signed documents confirming the return of 17 rare Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, pieces that date back to various eras of ancient Egyptian civilization.

 

 

The announcement came during a meeting on Wednesday between Minister Tony Burke, Australian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, Arts, Cyber Security, and Leader of the Government in the House of Representatives, and Ambassador Nabil Habashi, Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Immigration and Egyptians Abroad. The meeting was attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Australia, Hany Nagi, as part of the Deputy Foreign Minister’s official visit to Canberra.

 

Ambassador Habashi stated that the return of the artifacts coincides with the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, reflecting Australia’s commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation with Egypt, particularly in the fight against antiquities trafficking and the protection of cultural heritage.

 

 

He added that the handover also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Egypt and Australia. This occasion underscores the depth of trust and mutual respect between the two nations, especially when it comes to safeguarding shared human heritage.

 

The ambassador explained that this outcome is the result of meticulous follow-up by the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney regarding a case before Australian courts since 2019. The case concluded with a High Court ruling on 3 September 2025 ordering the seizure of the 17 artifacts, previously held by a private company, and their return to their rightful homeland.

 

 

He emphasized that the ruling reflects Australia’s dedication to cooperating with Egypt to protect world heritage, preserve cultural treasures for future generations, and combat the illegal trade in antiquities.

 

 

Ambassador Habashi also revealed that Australian tourism to Egypt increased by 11 percent in the first half of this year, a figure expected to grow further following Australia’s updated travel advisory to Egypt in September 2024 and the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.