A group of Libyan and French archaeology experts have been awarded one of France’s highest cultural honours in recognition of their efforts to protect human heritage and strengthen scientific cooperation between Libya and France.
Libya’s Department of Antiquities announced that the French Republic’s Order of Arts and Letters was awarded during a ceremony held at the French Senate building in Paris. The event celebrated the achievements of archaeologists and researchers who have contributed to preserving Libya’s rich cultural heritage and advancing archaeological collaboration between the two countries.
Among the Libyan recipients were Chairman of the Department of Antiquities Dr Mohammed Faraj Al-Fallous, board member Dr Mohammed Fikron, and University of Benghazi archaeology professor Dr Khaled Al-Haddar. The honour recognised their scientific contributions and their role in safeguarding Libya’s archaeological legacy.
Several members of the French archaeological mission in Libya were also decorated during the ceremony. The French recipients included Professor Jean-Jacques Maffre, Professor Vincent Michel, Professor Catherine Dobias, and Dr Claude Sintes, in recognition of their long-standing academic cooperation with Libyan specialists.
The Department of Antiquities said the awards formed part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the French archaeological mission in Libya. The anniversary events included the opening of a special exhibition at the Arab World Institute in Paris, which will continue until October and showcases five decades of archaeological discoveries and cultural cooperation between Libya and France.
The exhibition highlights the extensive work carried out by French and Libyan experts across several historical sites in Libya, reflecting decades of joint scientific research and restoration projects aimed at preserving ancient monuments and artefacts.
The decoration ceremony was attended by the head of the Libyan-French Friendship Committee at the French Senate, the chargé d’affaires of the Libyan Embassy in Paris, and the French ambassador to Libya.
Officials at the event stressed the importance of cultural heritage as a bridge for dialogue and scientific exchange between peoples, particularly at a time when international cooperation in heritage protection remains increasingly important.
The French archaeological mission has played a significant role in documenting and restoring historical sites in Libya over the past five decades, contributing to research on ancient civilisations that flourished across the country, including Greek, Roman and Islamic eras.