Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, a delegation of 12 young people from the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Mr. Kanan Karimov, Head of the Department of Innovative Development at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sport. The visit was part of a youth cultural exchange program organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan.

Dr. AlMalik welcomed the visiting delegation and commended the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan, which has grown stronger in recent years through cooperation in the fields of culture, science, and education. He referred to his recent visit to Baku and his meeting with H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which ICESCO reaffirmed its support for youth-oriented programs, noting that such initiatives have high potential for success. He also invited the delegation to visit ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, describing it as an open platform for youth initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Kanan Karimov expressed his gratitude to ICESCO for the warm welcome and congratulated Dr. AlMalik on receiving the Azerbaijani Dostlug Order. He praised the Organization’s efforts and its joint initiatives with Azerbaijan, notably the proclamation of Shusha as the 2024 Cultural Capital in the Islamic World.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Karimov presented a symbolic gift to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in recognition of his efforts to support youth in the Islamic world. The delegation concluded its visit with a tour of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, hosted at ICESCO headquarters.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Dinara Guliyeva, Expert in the Social and Human Sciences Sector.