Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Hassaballah Mahdi Fadla, President of the Supreme Council for the Arabic Language in Africa, and President of the General Union of Institutions for the Support of the Arabic Language in Chad. The two officials explored prospects for cooperation in promoting the Arabic language and consolidating its presence in Africa.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s keenness to strengthen partnerships with the institutions concerned with serving the Arabic language in Africa, noting that the Organization attaches special priority to teaching Arabic, promoting knowledge production in Arabic, and supporting its international presence through its various relevant programs. He also expressed ICESCO’s willingness to cooperate with various potential partners.

For his part, Dr. Hassaballah Mahdi Fadla introduced the Council, highlighting the history of the Arabic language in Chad and the establishment of the General Union of Institutions for the Support of the Arabic Language. He also reviewed the proceedings and outcomes of the International Scientific Conference on Arabic in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably the establishment of the Supreme Council for the Arabic Language in Africa.

The two parties also considered potential joint initiatives with African countries in the areas of teacher training, the development of Arabic teaching curricula, and the promotion of specialized scientific research on Arabic in the African context.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers; Mr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General in charge of ICESCO’s External Bodies in the field of Arabic; and Mr. Fouad Bouali, President of the National Coalition for Arabic in Morocco, and Vice-President of the Supreme Council for the Arabic Language in Africa.