[19/02/2026 01:37]

GENEVA-SABA
Yemen’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, Dr. Ali Mujawar, discussed with the Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and Head of the Specialized Service for the International Transfer of Cultural Property, Fabienne Baraga, ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the protection of cultural property and the recovery of Yemeni antiquities.

During the meeting, Ambassador Mujawar expressed the Yemeni government’s appreciation to the Swiss authorities for their constructive cooperation, particularly their efforts that led to the seizure of five Yemeni artifacts in the Geneva Freeport in 2009 and their subsequent return to the Republic of Yemen.

He noted that this step reflected the shared commitment to the provisions of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

The ambassador stressed that the restitution of cultural artifacts constitutes both a legal and moral responsibility and contributes to safeguarding Yemen’s national identity and historical memory.

He also reviewed the extensive damage inflicted on Yemen’s cultural heritage as a result of the war ignited by the terrorist Houthi militias.

The discussions further addressed practical mechanisms for the restitution process, including transportation through official diplomatic channels in accordance with procedures followed between the two countries, or through specialized companies experienced in handling and shipping artworks and antiquities in line with the highest international safety and insurance standards.

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