The Netherlands Returns Rare Archaeological Treasures to Egypt Amid Diplomatic Tensions Between the Two Countries

In a move that reflects international cooperation to protect human heritage, the Egyptian embassy in The Hague received a collection of rare artifacts returned by the Dutch government, after it was confirmed that they left Egypt through illegal means.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Ambassador Emad Hanna received these pieces from the Dutch National Museum during an official ceremony, expressing his gratitude to the Dutch authorities for their cooperation in recovering the artifacts and protecting them from smuggling, emphasizing that this step reflects a shared commitment to protecting ancient Egyptian civilization.

The event sparked widespread interaction on social media, especially as it comes amid diplomatic controversy between Cairo and The Hague, following the circulation of a video showing Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty sharply criticizing the Egyptian ambassador in the Netherlands regarding recent assaults on the embassy building.

In the video, the minister emphasized the necessity of "reciprocal treatment" concerning the security of diplomatic missions, hinting at the possibility of reducing security for the Dutch embassy in Cairo in response to what he deemed negligence in protecting the Egyptian embassy in The Hague.

While observers see the return of the artifacts as a positive step in cultural cooperation, it comes at a delicate time marked by tension in relations between the two countries.