Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Byashimova Myakhri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during her visit to the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The visit was part of her participation in a ceremony commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Turkmen poet and thinker, Magtymguly Fragi. The event was organized by ICESCO in partnership with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The meeting, held on Wednesday 18 December 2024, was also attended by Ms. Chynar Rustamova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Executive Secretary of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its ongoing initiatives, programs, and projects aimed at benefiting its Member States and Muslim communities worldwide.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized ICESCO’s keen interest in Turkmenistan joining as a Member State, particularly given that the country has been a Member State of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since 1992.

In response, Ms. Byashimova expressed her gratitude to ICESCO Director-General for the warm reception and for hosting the commemorative ceremony of Magtymguly Fragi’s 300th birth anniversary. Ms. Byashimova stated that the Government of Turkmenistan is carefully considering joining ICESCO, recognizing its significant importance to Islamic countries in its areas of expertise. She further affirmed that all necessary legal procedures for membership would be finalized shortly, enabling Turkmenistan to enhance its cooperation with Islamic world countries in education, science, and culture.

Ms. Bashimova extended an official invitation to Dr. AlMalik to visit Turkmenistan and engage with senior officials. Dr. AlMalik affirmed his intention to accept the invitation following the announcement of Turkmenistan’s Membership in ICESCO, marking the beginning of a constructive partnership between both parties.