Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received an official letter from Mr. Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, expressing Brazil’s interest in joining ICESCO as an Observer.

This took place during the reception of Mr. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Kingdom of Morocco. At the onset of the meeting, held on 14 March 2024 at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik warmly welcomed Brazil’s notable initiative, underscoring its significant importance, and viewed it as a tangible outcome of ICESCO’s adoption of a new vision and open policy in its strategic directions, aimed at benefiting the Islamic world and Muslim communities around the world.

Dr. AlMalik shed light on Brazil’s distinguished historical relations with many countries of the Islamic world, highlighting that its joining ICESCO as an observer would further strength these relations. Moreover, he pointed out that ICESCO’s General Directorate would diligently complete all necessary procedures related to Brazil’s membership.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that this membership would enhance the existing cooperation between the Organization and Brazil in education, science, and culture, citing ICESCO’s establishment of a research chair on “Art and Nature” at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, as well as the upcoming session of ICESCO’s 4th training workshop for the design of the educational satellite (CanSat) to be held in Brazil.

Additionally, he noted the ongoing cooperation between the education sector in the Organization and Lula Institute, which focuses on social development and education issues. The Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco commended ICESCO’s efforts, affirming that Brazil’s decision to join ICESCO as an observer reflects its keenness to enhance cooperation with the Organization and with Islamic world countries in education, science, and culture.