The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Thursday, August 13, received Mr. Mohamed Maouloud Ould Mohamed Salem, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Mauritania in Morocco. The two officials examined cooperation opportunities between the Organization and the country in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed cooperation aspects between the Organization and Mauritania. The DG listed the inscription of tangible and intangible heritage on the Islamic World Heritage List (IWHL). He also pointed out that ICESCO’s list particularly focused on the four ancient cities in Mauritania.

ICESCO’s DG recalled his visit last year to Mauritania where he met Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani along with other senior officials, at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. He then cited the major programs and activities benefitting Mauritania, particularly the promotion of mahdhra (traditional Quranic school). The latter is an exclusive Mauritanian heritage and a substantial addition to the IWHL.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed the initiatives, programs, and activities carried out by the Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the “Societies We Want” which granted humanitarian relief and support for women, youth, and entrepreneurs in a Mauritania and other countries.

The Mauritanian Chargé d’affaires congratulated ICESCO on its progress and its new organizational structure. He then reiterated his country’s interest in cooperating with the Organization and supporting its initiatives and new vision.

He also communicated Mauritanian officials’ positive feedback on Dr. Al Malik’s visit to their country. Mr. Maouloud stressed the importance of ICESCO’s support to the mahdhras and the establishment of a training center for preachers and Imams to counter zealotry and extremism and instead promote tolerance and coexistence.

Ms. Hayt Mint Mamouni El-Moktar Mbarek, Advisor at the Embassy also attended the meeting.