Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Erlan Karin, State Counselor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held in Astana.

During the meeting, which took place on Thursday, 18 September 2025, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the programs and initiatives implemented by ICESCO in Kazakhstan in recent years, along with the positive results achieved in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage protection. He emphasized the strategic importance of Kazakhstan as one of the active Member States, endowed with a rich history and flourishing civilization.

Dr. AlMalik further stressed that cooperation with Kazakhstan opens vast prospects, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence and its requirements, which he described as the language of our time and one of the key drivers of future development. He praised the strong interest of H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in this vital field, noting that it aligns with ICESCO’s vision and fosters greater convergence of perspectives and joint projects between both sides.

For his part, Mr. Erlan welcomed the development of close cooperation with ICESCO and affirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to advance practical partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence, as well as the protection, preservation, documentation, and inscription of cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

He also commended the substantial progress ICESCO has made over the past five years, marked by its remarkable international presence, numerous international awards, and recognition by several global institutions as a leading organization in creativity and innovation.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to the State Counselor to attend the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and its Applications, scheduled to be held in Baku this coming December, as well as to participate in ICESCO’s General Conference, to be convened early next year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The State Counselor welcomed both invitations, reaffirming his keen interest in making Kazakhstan a significant partner in ICESCO’s journey to exercise foresight and craft innovative solutions.