Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism, Khalid Al-Eiser, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing its strategy to protect Sudan’s antiquities, preserve its cultural heritage, and safeguard the country’s national identity. Al-Eiser said Sudan’s cultural heritage, passed down through generations, forms a cornerstone of the nation’s identity, adding that attempts by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its supporters to erase it had failed.He noted that joint efforts by the security services, the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, and ministry personnel had led to the recovery of a large number of antiquities despite the exceptional challenges posed by the war. Speaking during a ceremony marking the receipt of support from UNESCO and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation under a program to rehabilitate the Sudan National Museum, Al-Eiser said ministry staff had worked tirelessly since the early days of the conflict to protect Sudan’s national identity and recover looted artifacts. The minister welcomed the partnership with UNESCO, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and other heritage partners, praising their support for the rehabilitation of the Sudan National Museum and the provision of essential equipment. He said the scale of the challenge remained significant but would not deter the ministry from fulfilling its national responsibilities with determination and perseverance. He also highlighted Sudan’s rich cultural diversity and long history, describing them as among the country’s greatest strengths. Al-Eiser called on international and regional institutions to support Sudan’s efforts to restore its antiquities and museums and contribute to the country’s cultural recovery and reconstruction. For his part, Ahmed Junaid, Head of UNESCO’s Office in Sudan, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s efforts to protect its national heritage and rehabilitate the National Museum in line with international standards. He said UNESCO had trained 500 government personnel to raise awareness of the importance of protecting antiquities and combating their illicit trafficking, while thanking the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for its support and expressing hope that rehabilitation efforts would continue until the museum once again becomes a key attraction for tourism.BH/BH