Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ambassador Vladimir Viktorovich Baibakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss cooperation between ICESCO and the Russian Federation in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, which took place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, and several sector heads and center directors within the Organization, Dr. AlMalik outlined the key pillars of ICESCO’s new vision. He emphasized that the Organization has adopted a development and modernization approach to keep pace with the rapid global changes in all fields, anticipate future trends, proactively address its challenges, and meet the aspirations of the Member States and Muslim communities worldwide in education, science, and culture.

Moreover, he pointed out that ICESCO is an open Organization with strong partnerships with many international organizations, built on practical programs and projects that deliver tangible impact and measurable results. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation, an observer Member of the Organization in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Ambassador Baibakov commended ICESCO for providing support for its Member States in its areas of competence, confirming Russia’s willingness to enhance cooperation with the Organization as part of its broader policy to deepen its historical ties with Islamic and African countries.

The Russian Ambassador extended an invitation to Dr. AlMalik to attend the Conference of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia and the Islamic World,” scheduled for 16-17 May in Kazan. Dr. AlMalik accepted the invitation and agreed to deliver a speech on behalf of the Organization at the Conference.

The meeting also touched on areas of cooperation between ICESCO and the Russian Federation, focusing on civilizational dialogue and teaching the Arabic language, which resulted in the establishment of the ICESCO Chair for the Arabic Language in the service of dialogue and coexistence, hosted by the Russian Islamic University, affiliated with the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Ambassador Baibakov on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters, as part of the strategic partnership between the Organization, Muslim World League, and the Mohammedia League of Scholars.