The U.S. Embassy in Cairo recently completed a workshop focused on the protection of cultural property and the investigation of illegally exported antiquities. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Cultural Antiquities Task Force at the U.S. Department of State participated alongside Egyptian officials from various agencies.
Participants traveled from different regions across Egypt, including Cairo, Alexandria, Hurgada, Damietta, and North Sinai to attend this event.
At the workshop's conclusion, Thomas Goldberger, Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, emphasized its significance as an example of strong cooperation between the United States and Egypt. “Cooperation between our law enforcement agencies is particularly impressive and is growing every day,” he stated. He also expressed hopes that this workshop would enhance collaboration between both nations in protecting cultural heritage and other law enforcement areas.
Mary Cook from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Program shared her positive experience: “I was delighted to come to Egypt for this workshop—not only because of all the work that we do in the United States to preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage but also due to the enthusiasm of my colleagues here in Egypt."
This workshop aligns with a memorandum of understanding on cultural property protection signed by both countries in November 2016. The agreement includes training initiatives and imposes import restrictions on certain archaeological materials from Egypt into the United States. It aims to strengthen cooperation for investigating, prosecuting, and repatriating stolen antiquities.