Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr El Houssein Ould Meddou, Mauritania’s Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Spokesperson of the Government, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting explored strengthening the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania in the cultural sector.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and explored various aspects of the fruitful partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania, which has been further strengthened by the recent visit of Dr. AlMalik to Chinguetti. During this visit, ICESCO committed to rehabilitating the historic Chinguetti Mosque, with both parties agreeing to immediately commence the restoration project by appointing specialized focal points to oversee its implementation.

Additionally, the meeting addressed several requests submitted by the Mauritanian National Commission and discussed the potential recruitment of Mauritanian talent to work within ICESCO’s departments.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Ambassador Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.