Prime Minister Fiala: The extradition of Lucy and Selam is proof of trust in the Czech Republic and a success for Czech diplomacy

The "People and Their Ancestors" exhibition was inaugurated today at the National Museum in the presence of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Minister of Culture Martin Baxa and Ethiopia's Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa. The highlight is the first ever European display of the original fossils of the famous Lucy and the baby Selam. The loan of some of the most valuable paleoanthropological exhibits in the world from the National Museum of Ethiopia is the result of long-standing diplomatic and professional efforts of the Czech government and partner institutions. The fossils dating more than 3.2 million years back will be on display in Prague until 23 October.

"This is an extraordinary historical moment, the first time in Europe we have the opportunity to see some of the rarest fossils of human evolution, Lucy and Selam. I consider it a great success that we have managed to bring these unique exhibits to the Czech Republic and I appreciate the huge trust Ethiopia has shown in entrusting them to us. The project is a testament to our mutual partnership and a demonstration of the government's successful scientific and cultural diplomacy, on which we intend to build our cooperation going forward - from science and culture to economic projects. I believe the exhibition will appeal to the general public, strengthen the friendship between our countries and inspire young people in particular to learn where we have come from and where we are going," said the Prime Minister.

The loan negotiations began as early as 2023 during Prime Minister Fiala's official visit to Addis Ababa, when the Czech Prime Minister personally asked Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the opportunity to display the originals in Prague. The subsequent first-ever visit of an Ethiopian Prime Minister to the Czech Republic confirmed a new stage in the partnership between the two countries. The National Museum, led by its director Michal Lukeš, played a significant role at the preparatory stage, delivering professional preparation, logistics and security measures. The Prime Minister appreciated that the Czech Republic was able to handle such a demanding project of global importance, touting it as an example of combining top science, culture and diplomacy. So far, the originals have only been exhibited in Ethiopia, with Lucy having been briefly put on display in the US. That makes Prague the first European city where Lucy and Selam can be seen.

For more information about the exhibition, go to www.nm.cz.