Damascus: The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday the recovery of 23 archaeological artifacts that had been on loan to the Arab World Institute in Paris since 2010, after their return was delayed in previous years due to the suspension of Syrian-French relations.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry clarified that these restored artifacts belong to the museums of Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra, adding that it had been decided to transfer them to Syria aboard the French presidential aircraft.

This move marks the commencement of a persistent path to retrieve Syrian artifacts abroad as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the national heritage and archaeological artifacts, the statement continued.

The restoration of these artifacts coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus, during which talks were held with President Ahmed Al Sharaa, in addition to the signing of sundry agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.