The restitution to Italy of three artefacts of Greek epoch – a vase for oils and unguents, a wine jug and a food bowl – recovered by American authorities in the United States, the world’s major market for smuggled Italian works of art, offered the opportunity to renew the Memorandum of Understanding to combat the illegal trafficking of artefacts between the two Countries. The event, which was held at the Italian Embassy in Washington, was attended by the Minister for Cultural Heritage and Activities, Alberto Bonisoli. In his address, the Minister recalled how the MoU is an important mechanism to strengthen collaboration between our law enforcers and an effective instrument of cultural cooperation. He said: “The Agreement has offered a multitude of opportunities to carry out academic research and for a broader enjoyment of Italy’s cultural heritage.” Ambassador Armando Varricchio underscored “the extraordinary cooperation that Italy has established with the United States, with which we share ideas and values and the firm conviction that protecting our heritage is essential to building a better future.” Fabrizio Parrulli, General of the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage expressed “pride and satisfaction for his Unit, which works with passion and determination to enhance the culture of restitution in Italy and abroad.” Lastly, the event included the presentation of the catalogue titled: “Saving art by Protecting Heritage”, a volume containing the pictures of over 200 works illicitly imported into the United States and returned to Italy. The pages of the catalogue tell of all the work done in a cooperative effort of more than 15 years to preserve Italy’s antiquities and artistic heritage and to promote exhibitions and academic courses on the theme of the protection of cultural property. The event was attended by numerous American participants, including both art experts and FBI agents.