On February 12, the Mexican Embassy in Lisbon received three valuable pre-Columbian archaeological pieces from Portuguese authorities, which had been identified in Europe after being illegally removed from Mexico. This event marks a significant moment in the bilateral relations between Mexico and Portugal, as it represents the first time a Portuguese government has returned such artifacts to Mexico. The Mexican ambassador, Bruno Figueroa, described the occasion as a historic day for their foreign relations.

The recovery ceremony included prominent figures such as Luís Neves, the national director of the Portuguese Judicial Police, and Florbela Paraíba, the president of the Camões Institute for Cooperation and Language. Archaeologist Aline Lara, who authenticated the antiquities, joined the event virtually from Seville, Spain. This collaboration showcases the importance of international cooperation in protecting historical artifacts and combating illicit trafficking in cultural heritage.

This recovery not only restores valuable cultural heritage to Mexico but also reinforces the message about the significance of preserving indigenous history. As nations increasingly recognize the importance of returning illegally obtained artifacts, this incident may inspire similar actions worldwide, emphasizing the need for vigilance against illegal sales and conservation of cultural heritage.