Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with several Mauritanian officials on the first day of his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to attend the launching ceremony of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023.

Dr. AlMalik and his accompanying delegation met with Dr. Houssein Ould Meddou, Head of Mauritania’s High Authority for Press and Broadcasting (HAPA), and together discussed a set of proposals to ensure the media’s contribution to the success of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023. During the meeting, which was held on Thursday, 5 January 2023, the two parties also explored means for fostering cooperation between ICESCO and the Authority in training and building the capacities of journalists and media professionals, particularly in consolidating peace and combating hatred, and harnessing modern technologies and artificial intelligence for the development of the media industry.

Dr. AlMalik visited the headquarters of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, where he was received by Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Commission, who welcomed ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation and commended ICESCO’s support for Mauritania’s efforts in the educational, scientific and cultural fields.

After the meeting, ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation met with the higher committee in charge of supervising the celebration’s organization, which comprised mostly of representatives from Mauritanian ministries. The parties emphasized that they will pursue their joint efforts for a successful celebration and will follow up on the implementation of the activities planned throughout the year.

Dr. AlMalik then took part in a cultural symposium organized by the Mouhitt Center for Development, Women and Peace in Nouakchott, where he was received by Dr. Mekfoula Mint Akah, President of the Center, in the presence of a host of female and male authors and poets who discussed traditional Mauritanian literature and poetry.