Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, to discuss the importance of developing cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in areas of mutual interest and ways to ensure the success of the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

During the meeting, held on Friday, 31 May 2024, in Tashkent, Dr. AlMalik commended the outcomes of his meeting with H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and His keen interest in enhancing cooperation between the two sides. Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations adopt openness and cooperation with the Member States to accurately identify their trends and needs and design programs and projects tailored to each country in coordination with their National Commissions.

Moreover, ICESCO Director-General outlined the main pillars of the Organization’s strategic vision and reviewed its key initiatives and programs, particularly in supporting and building the capacities of women and youth to face future challenges and enhancing the efforts of Islamic world countries in developing their educational systems through using modern technology and encouraging the Member States to invest in space sciences and other future-oriented fields.

The meeting also touched on several issues of interest to Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, including youth, women, girls’ education and the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, all of which are areas to which the First Assistant to the President pays close attention and oversees their policy implementation. Dr. AlMalik praised Ms Mirziyoyeva’s remarkable efforts in these areas, which reflect the priorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

For her part, Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized her country’s commitment to cooperating with ICESCO in its areas of expertise, hailing the Organization’s new vision, which is aligned with the latest developments worldwide.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Mr. Musallim Afandiyev, an expert in the said sector.