With the start of Civilizations Forum , Hussein announces retrieving 18 thousand smuggled artifacts

INA-  Baghdad

The sixth edition of the Forum of Arab Civilizations kicked off in Baghdad, on Sunday, with an international attendance, while Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein announced the return of 18,000 smuggled artifacts.
 
Hussein said, in his speech during the opening of the forum, attended by the reporter of the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the world is facing great challenges due to crises and different interests," noting that "cultural dialogue is a condition for promoting understanding."

Hussein said, in his speech during the opening of the forum, attended by the reporter of the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the world is facing great challenges due to crises and different interests," noting that "cultural dialogue is a condition for promoting understanding."
 
He added, "Most of Iraq's civilizations have been subjected to various threats, and terrorism has had a hand in destroying cultural landmarks, but these terrorist acts cannot obliterate history, noting that "Iraq pursues a participatory vision, and there is a responsibility for it in the future to take the lead in joint cooperation that the challenges of climate change require joint cooperation."
 
He continued, "The cultural forum is an opportunity for qualitative communication and a diplomatic approach to support global efforts in facing challenges," noting that "Iraq has been subjected at different periods to systematic theft to smuggle its cultural heritage.”
 
He pointed out that "the Iraqi government has made efforts to stop sabotage operations against antiquities, as more than 18,000 smuggled artifacts have been returned," expressing "his hope to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination to return all stolen antiquities."