Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the fields of education, science and culture, in light of Brazil’s recent accession to ICESCO as an observer state.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday 4 September 2024, at the Brazilian Embassy in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his satisfaction with the recent positive developments in the relationship between ICESCO and Brazil, particularly Brazil’s accession to the Organization as an observer state, noting that this would elevate the relationship between the Islamic world and Brazil to new heights within areas of ICESCO’s expertise. He also commended the insightful vision of H.E Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and his openness to cooperation initiatives and international partnerships.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed the Organization’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Brazil through the implementation of several joint programs and projects in education for the benefit of the African region, as well as in the cultural and heritage sectors, to leverage Brazil’s outstanding experience and expertise in these areas.

For his part, Amb. Parola commended ICESCO’s role in developing the fields of education, science and culture in its Member States, reaffirming Brazil’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Organization.

The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation in the areas of youth and sports, given their role in fostering closeness between cultures and peoples, as well as in the fields of food security, smart agriculture, and renewable energy. The preparations for the anticipated visit of the Director-General of ICESCO to Brazil were also reviewed.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO’s General Directorate; Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Advisor to the Director-General; and Ms. Manuela Nicoletti, Expert at the Culture and Communication Sector.