Mongolia has some of the largest dinosaur fossil beds in the world. These remains, found in the Gobi, belong to the Cretaceous period between 145.5 and 65.5 million years ago. These remains, which include the world’s first discovered dinosaur eggs, are considered as national treasures.

In the past, a large number of dinosaur remains discovered in Mongolia had been sold illegally abroad – some finding their way into the collections of Hollywood movie stars.  The Mongolian Government in cooperation with other countries has been working to bring those stolen remains back to Mongolia.  Earlier today (30 September), Mongolian Foreign Minister D.Tsogtbaatar signed an agreement of the return of the precious remains without dispute with Mr. Robert Bartolo from the US Department of Homeland Security.

Since 2013, a total of 23 dinosaur finds that ended up in the US have been returned to Mongolia as a result of joint efforts of the two governments and other organizations.

Mongolia legally declared that fossils are national property in 1924, and their export is strictly forbidden.