Nepal and the United States on Thursday signed a landmark bilateral Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) aimed at safeguarding Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

The agreement was signed by US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson and Suresh Suras Shrestha, joint secretary at the ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation (MoCTA).

Under the pact, the United States will, in line with its legislation, restrict the import of certain archaeological and ethnological materials from Nepal unless accompanied by a valid export certificate issued by the Government of Nepal, read a press note issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The agreement covers archaeological materials dating from the Paleolithic period (around 32,000 BCE) through 1770 CE, and ethnological materials from the 13th century to 1950 CE. These include religious architectural elements, ceremonial objects and manuscripts to be identified in a designated list to be published by the US government.

Ambassador Thompson said that the agreement underscored the United States’ respect for Nepal’s cultural heritage and its commitment to preventing illicit trafficking.

Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niroula described the pact as a reflection of strong Nepal–US cooperation in preserving heritage for future generations.