His Excellency President Kaïs Saied of the Republic of Tunisia received His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), along with his accompanying delegation from the Organization’s Executive Council, on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, Tunisia.

President Saied reaffirmed Tunisia’s pleasure in hosting the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council and presiding over its proceedings on 25–26 February.

The Tunisian President emphasized ICESCO’s crucial role in developing educational curricula, advancing scientific knowledge, and promoting cultural content in our societies. His Excellency the President further underscored the importance of empowering communities through solid educational and cultural foundations to enable them to contribute effectively to human civilization and knowledge. He also highlighted the need to engage consciously with the rapid and profound transformations shaping the world, which present significant challenges that require a collective stance in accordance with a scientific approach that respects cultural specificities and Islamic values.

In this context, President Saied stressed the significance of preserving the rich cultural and civilizational heritage of the Arab and Islamic world and safeguarding its identity. He called for supporting ICESCO’s initiatives in recovering stolen artifacts, including precious manuscripts and rare books. He also commended the Organization’s efforts in documenting and protecting Islamic and Arab heritage sites in danger and endeavoring to inscribe them on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Additionally, the President expressed concerns over the threats facing Islamic holy sites, particularly Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem), Al-Aqsa Mosque—Islam’s first Qibla and third holiest site—and the sacred journey site of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

On another note, President Saied conveyed Tunisia’s appreciation for ICESCO’s willingness to contribute to the establishment of the “Iqraa” Global Center for Calligraphy Arts. He expressed Tunisia’s eagerness to strengthen collaboration with ICESCO, particularly in supporting national efforts to restore historic Tunisian cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and in preparing nomination files for additional cities to be added to the list. He noted that many Tunisian cities deserve recognition as part of the world’s cultural heritage.