Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited Kazakhstan’s National Space Center on Thursday, 18 September 2025. He was received by Mr. Malik Olzhabekov, Vice-Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the visit, the Vice-Minister gave a comprehensive presentation on the Center’s missions and achievements in the fields of space science and related technologies, introducing the various departments of the Center, the latest developments in spacecraft manufacturing, the preparation of astronaut missions, as well as the Center’s industrial innovations over the years and its major space industry achievements.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO attaches particular importance to space science and focuses on training young people in the Islamic world to explore this vital field. He also pointed out that the Organization supervised the organization of a training program at Almaty University, which introduced participants to small satellite manufacturing techniques, with broad participation from Member States’ representatives and young people from the Islamic world.

The ICESCO Director-General also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Kazakh leadership and the officials of the National Space Center for their pioneering efforts in supporting space science and developing its technologies, stressing the Organization’s keenness to strengthen future partnerships in this field.

For his part, Mr. Olzhabekov indicated that strengthening cooperation among ICESCO Member States in the field of space science would keep pace with the successful experiences of countries that have been able to build pioneering international partnerships in this sector.

Dr. AlMalik was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of the Organization’s Baku Regional Office.