Switzerland returns 5 Chinese cultural relics! Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Expressing appreciation
Beijing, August 29th (Xinhua) - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on August 29th that China appreciates Switzerland's return of cultural relics and is willing to continue deepening cooperation with Switzerland in areas such as cultural relic recovery and return, ancient civilization research, joint archaeology, and heritage restoration.
Recently, Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland, Wang Shiting, attended the ceremony for the return of Chinese lost cultural relics and artworks held by the Swiss Federal Bureau of Culture, signed a return agreement with Switzerland, and received 5 cultural relics and artworks. Wang Wenbin answered the question at the regular press conference.
Wang Wenbin said that China and Switzerland signed the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Swiss Federal Council on the Illegal Entry and Exit of Cultural Property and its Return in 2013. After the signing of the agreement, both sides carried out a series of practical exchanges and cooperation within this framework. In December 2014, the Swiss side returned one Han Dynasty pottery figurine to the Chinese side for the first time. "Last week, the Swiss side returned to the Chinese side for the second time five Chinese cultural relics, including four ceramics and one coin, seized and confiscated in four criminal cases over the past two years."
Wang Wenbin said that the return of cultural relics this time is another successful practice of cooperation between China and Switzerland in the field of cultural heritage protection. It has played a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and also has exemplary significance in combating cultural relic smuggling, protecting cultural relic safety, and expanding government cooperation on a global scale.
"The Chinese side is willing to continue to deepen cooperation with the Swiss side in the fields of cultural relic recovery and return, ancient civilization research, joint archaeology, and historical site restoration, and work together to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning, creating more highlights for the development of China Switzerland relations." Wang Wenbin said.
Former spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: China appreciates Switzerland's return of cultural relics