Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, to discuss prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation, implementing upcoming joint programs and activities, and strengthening the partnership in the fields of cultural indicators and creative industries.

During the meeting, held on Saturday, 19 April 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as the efforts made by Egyptian authorities to support ICESCO’s initiatives in the country, particularly in the fields of culture and innovation.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno commended the significant roles played by ICESCO in promoting sustainable development within its areas of competence, especially in cultural creation and heritage preservation. He also affirmed the Egyptian authorities’ willingness to continue their collaboration with the Organization through the implementation of pioneering activities, programs, and initiatives in the cultural field.

The meeting also addressed the mechanisms for implementing the joint projects and programs planned for the upcoming period, including ICESCO’s participation with a special pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2025, in addition to a series of activities and events related to the Organization’s areas of expertise.

Subsequently, the two parties discussed the development of a roadmap for an initiative aimed at promoting Egyptian Cultural Week in Islamic countries, as well as cooperation in the field of cultural indicators, the launch of programs in the sector of cultural and innovative industries, and the organization of symposia and conferences to support Member States in developing their strategic visions and orientations in the fields of culture and innovation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore the possibility of forming a joint academic team, in partnership with the Supreme Council of Culture, to explore opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to promote culture and innovative industries.