Baghdad: The Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, affirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting archaeological and museum institutions and providing the necessary resources to improve the work environment and enhance professional performance. This, she stated, contributes to strengthening efforts to preserve cultural heritage and solidify Iraq's cultural identity. Her remarks came during a visit to the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, where she toured several departments, accompanied by the head of the Authority, Ali Obeid Shalgham, and the Director General of the Department of Public Museums, Lama Yass Al-Douri. The tour aimed to review the workflow and identify key needs and challenges.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the tour, the minister observed the work processes of the casting division within the Department of Public Museums and its role in producing archaeological and artistic replicas that reflect the richness of Iraqi civilization. She emphasized the importance of developing the division's capabilities and supporting its technical staff, in line with its mission to preserve cultural heritage and highlight its cultural value.

Abdul Wahid emphasized the need to continue developing museum institutions, given their pivotal role in protecting antiquities and preserving national identity, as well as their contribution to raising public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and its preservation.

For his part, the head of the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, Ali Obeid Shalgham, affirmed the Authority's continued implementation of its programs aimed at developing museum infrastructure and enhancing its technical and administrative capabilities. He also noted the ongoing efforts to recover smuggled Iraqi antiquities, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Iraqi embassies and in cooperation with relevant security agencies, with the goal of returning artifacts that left the country.