The Swiss government has returned three artifacts dating back to the Assyrian civilization to Iraq, marking another step in the restitution of cultural heritage. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received the items from Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider. These artifacts are significant remnants of Iraq's rich historical legacy and are seen as a vital reclamation of the nation's heritage.

Since 2019, Iraq has been actively pursuing the return of looted antiquities, with over 34,500 artifacts repatriated thus far. The return of these artifacts by Switzerland underscores the global effort to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Iraq's museums and historical sites have suffered from extensive looting and vandalism, particularly following the 2003 US invasion and the subsequent rise of ISIS in 2014. Efforts to recover lost antiquities have intensified in recent years, with the Iraqi government seeking the return of valuable artifacts taken from the country.

In a statement, the Swiss interior minister emphasized the importance of returning such artifacts to their countries of origin, describing it as a restoration of history. The restitution of these artifacts not only represents a symbolic homecoming but also contributes to preserving Iraq's cultural heritage for future generations.