presided over the third Cultural Property Handover Ceremony of the year, formalizing the transfer of 342 items that form part of the Nation's Cultural Heritage to
These items were recovered through joint efforts by the two ministries and Peru's diplomatic missions in Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
During his remarks, Minister Espa stressed that the return of these items makes it possible to recover important pieces of our cultural heritage and ensure that they can be preserved, studied, and passed on to future generations.
"Each of these items bears witness to the societies, knowledge, and cultural expressions that have shaped our history," he underscored.
The Cabinet member acknowledged the crucial role played by voluntary returns by foreign citizens and cooperation from institutions such as the U.S. Department of State and the FBI, Argentina's Federal Police and National Institute of Anthropology and Latin American Thought, Belgium's Federal Police, and Germany's Foreign Ministry.
Among the repatriated treasures are the monumental painting "The Transit of St. Joseph," which is of significant historical and artistic importance, and the manuscript "Ancient Peruvian Art," a unique documentary work featuring watercolors of great academic value.
Minister Espa reaffirmed that protecting cultural heritage is a priority of Peru's foreign policy.
He added that the Foreign Affairs Ministry will strengthen bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property and promote the return to its country of origin.
"Cultural heritage reaches its full meaning when it retains its connection to the history, communities, and traditions from which it originates," he emphasized.
Moreover, the Culture Minister highlighted that this is an ongoing effort, including monitoring social media, where offers of these items are often discovered, paving the way for their recovery.
He also invited citizens to view these items at a special exhibition to be held at the Culture Ministry facilities.