Morocco has successfully reclaimed 117 rare fossils that had been illegally smuggled out of the country. These significant archaeological pieces, dating back approximately 400 million years, were confiscated by Chilean customs between 2017 and 2022.
The repatriation ceremony took place at the National Library of Chile, where the Moroccan Ambassador to Santiago, Kenza El Ghali, received the artifacts from Nelida Pozo Kudo, Director of the Chilean National Service for Cultural Heritage.
Pozo Kudo highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Morocco and Chile across various sectors, including the protection of fossilized artifacts that hold immense historical significance.
She noted that the recovery and return of these Moroccan fossils by Chilean customs exemplify the commitment of both nations to combat the illicit trade of cultural properties in accordance with international law.
Ambassador El Ghali expressed her gratitude to the Chilean authorities for their close cooperation over the past five years, which facilitated the return of these invaluable pieces of Moroccan heritage.
She emphasized that smuggling artifacts and fossils, some millions of years old, is perhaps a more severe issue than drug trafficking.
The Moroccan Ambassador also expressed immense joy that these ancient treasures have finally returned to their original homeland.
This event was preceded by the signing of a cooperation agreement on documentary heritage between the National Library of Morocco and the National Library of Chile, further solidifying the cultural bonds between the two countries.
