The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Xi’an International Studies University, in the People’s Republic of China, signed a memorandum of understanding to establish joint cooperation in promoting civilizational and cultural dialogue, supporting Arabic language teaching in China and Chinese language teaching in Arab universities, fostering youth exchange and understanding, and preserving and valuing Islamic Arab heritage in China. The agreement was signed today, Thursday, 27 November 2025, via videoconference by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Wu Yao Wu, Rector of Xi’an University.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik expressed his pleasure in cooperating with Xi’an University as a distinguished academic institution, noting that ICESCO attaches great importance to collaboration with leading universities within and beyond the Islamic world for its role in advancing knowledge, innovation, and creativity.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik praised the relations between the Islamic world and China, stressing that they represent a model for international relations and civilizational dialogue among diverse cultures. He commended the initiatives launched by His Excellency President Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation and dialogue among civilizations.

For his part, Dr. Wu Yao Wu highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in promoting mutual understanding among civilizations, supporting creativity and innovation, and safeguarding cultural heritage. He stated that cooperation between the Organization and the University will offer a new model of civilizational interaction and contribute to enhancing educational and cultural collaboration between the Islamic world and China.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Osama Heikal, Head of Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of Science and Environment Sector; and Dr. Hani Albalawi, expert at the Center of Civilizational Dialogue, along with several academic leaders from Xi’an University.