The transfer took place at the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington last week in the presence of representatives from the US’s Department of State and Department of Homeland Security.
According to FBI, the US agency took possession of more than 7,000 artefacts illegally acquired by an American citizen during an operation from 2013 – 2014. It is the largest single discovery of cultural property in FBI history.
A year before his death, the man agreed to relinquish these items and wished to return them to their rightful owners. With the help of experts, the FBI has managed to identify several unidentified artefacts from Vietnam, including a vase/pot, an 8-piece set of tool kit made of bronze, and a stone axe.
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, who received the handover, thanked the local authorities for coordinating with Vietnam to combat transnational crimes, particularly those in cultural and artistic affairs, adding it demonstrates the US’s goodwill and commitment to enforcing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC).
He further noted that the items will be transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Historical Museum for assessment and exhibition.
The diplomat reiterated that the embassy stands ready to boost cooperation between the two countries’ ministries and agencies.
Art exchange programme spotlights Vietnam – Laos special friendship
NDO – An art exchange programme was held in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on October 9, honouring the solidarity and faithful friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
Food festival brings Vietnam and Brazil closer
NDO – A food festival, introducing and promoting Vietnamese cuisine in the capital Brasilia (Brazil) opened at Mezanino restaurant at the TV Tower, on April 20.
RoK set to host Vietnam culture festival in September
The Vietnamese People Association in the Republic of Korea (RoK) are scheduled to organise the 10th Vietnamese culture festival in Seoul on September 4.
US Hands Over Lost Artifacts and Antiquities to Vietnam
The Vietnamese Embassy in the United States received a number of artifacts and antiquities from the FBI
Vietnamese Embassy receives cultural artifacts and antiquities from FBI
Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung presided over a ceremony on August 5 at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States in order to receive several cultural artifacts and antiquities from the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
