Pakistan, July 21 -- An ancient bronze statue believed to represent Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius has been returned to Turkiye from the United States, 65 years after it was smuggled out of the country, Turkish authorities announced on Saturday.

The statue was looted in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon, located in present-day Burdur province in southwestern Turkiye. Its repatriation was made possible through collaboration between Turkish officials and US authorities.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy described the statue's return as a major victory after years of persistent effort.

"It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won," Ersoy said. "We brought the 'Philosopher E...