London, Sept. 24 (SANA) The United Kingdom has returned 12 cultural relics and artworks to China after they were seized during investigations by London’s Metropolitan Police, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported.
A handover ceremony was held Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in London, with Rao Quan, China’s vice minister of culture and tourism and head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, attending online.
“Facilitating the return of lost cultural relics to their countries of origin is a just cause that safeguards cultural heritage, respects the cultural rights and national sentiments of people around the world, and protects the heritage of human civilization,” Xinhua quoted Rao as saying.
British officials said the return was a positive outcome of practical cooperation between the two countries and reflected mutual respect and their commitment to working together to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The 12 cultural relics and artworks had been seized by London’s Metropolitan Police during investigations, according to Xinhua.
N.J/R.K
