TEHRAN -- A collection of 151 historical and cultural objects belonging to museums in Tehran Province has returned safely to Iran following an international exhibition tour across five major cultural and historic cities in China, the head of the Tehran Provincial Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has announced.
Director-General of the Tehran Provincial Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Tolouei said the objects returned to Iran on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the Land of Kindness exhibition tour, and were transferred to secure museum storage facilities in accordance with established conservation and security protocols.
The final presentation of the exhibition was held in Lüshun, in the coastal city of Dalian, Tolouei said.
Detailing the repatriation and handover process, he explained that, following the completion of administrative and customs formalities and inter-agency coordination, all 151 objects were transferred under stringent security arrangements.
The operation was carried out with the cooperation of customs authorities at Imam Khomeini International Airport and the protection of the Tehran Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Unit. The deputy minister for cultural heritage, museum directors and specialist experts were also present during the transfer.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving the authenticity and physical integrity of historical objects during international
 transportation, Tolouei described their safe return under the country’s prevailing circumstances as a significant undertaking that required meticulous planning and close coordination among the relevant authorities.
He said the operation had been successfully completed through the full cooperation of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and other government bodies.
Tolouei also expressed his appreciation to the Chinese partners for their cooperation in organizing and hosting Land of Kindness. He acknowledged the contributions of the directors, curators, specialists and other professionals who had been involved in the exhibition’s conception, planning, organization, implementation and logistical support over the past two years.
Featuring 151 historical and cultural objects from museums across Tehran Province, Land of Kindness travelled to five major cultural and historic cities in China, attracting considerable interest from Chinese audiences.