France has officially returned 23 ancient Syrian artefacts that had been safeguarded since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011, marking a significant step in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

The collection, which spans thousands of years of history—from prehistoric times to the Abbasid era—has been restored to the National Museum in Damascus. The artefacts were handed back following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit, highlighting renewed cultural cooperation between the two countries.

French authorities had protected the antiquities during the conflict to prevent them from being lost, damaged, or trafficked. Their return is being hailed as an important milestone in efforts to restore Syria’s rich historical legacy after years of war.

Syrian officials welcomed the move, saying the artefacts represent an irreplaceable part of the nation’s identity and history. The return also reflects growing international efforts to safeguard cultural treasures affected by armed conflicts.