Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow Kingdom of Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Headquarters of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. The two sides discussed avenues for strengthening joint cooperation between ICESCO and Thailand.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed most of ICESCO’S programs and projects in the fields of education, sciences and culture in the Member States, pointing out to the possibility of Thailand joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” to benefit from these programs, particularly in the fields of heritage protection, training of national staff in charge of heritage sites inscription and preservation, and empowering youth in the fields of culture and innovation.

ICESCO Director-General also presented several proposals for future cooperation, including the possibility of the Kingdom of Thailand hosting one of the Ministerial Conferences organized by ICESCO, as well as nominating one of the southern Thai cities to be the Capital Culture in the Islamic World in the future.

For his part, the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his deep appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts to promote civilizational dialogue and cultural rapprochement among peoples, affirming his country’s keenness to expand its cooperation with the Organization in areas of mutual interest.