Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, explored prospects for cultural cooperation between ICESCO and the Russian Ministry of Culture in several areas. These included benefiting from Russian expertise in the restoration and rehabilitation of selected archaeological sites in countries of the Islamic world, strengthening cooperation to highlight the cultural identity of the Islamic world within the Russian Federation, and introducing Russian culture in countries of the Islamic world, contributing to broader civilizational exchange and deeper cultural dialogue among peoples.

The meeting also addressed the significance of selecting Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World and the opportunity this celebration offers to showcase the city’s rich historical and civilizational heritage. Participants reviewed the cultural programs and activities scheduled throughout the cultural year and emphasized the importance of intensifying participation and cooperation in conferences and cultural activities organized by the Russian Ministry of Culture, with the involvement of cultural institutions and sectors from countries of the Islamic world.

The Russian Minister of Culture affirmed her country’s interest in strengthening cooperation with ICESCO and expressed appreciation for the Organization’s role in building cultural bridges between Russia and the Islamic world in a manner that enhances human rapprochement and enriches civilizational dialogue.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to the Russian Minister to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. She expressed her willingness to accept the invitation during the last quarter of 2026 and also confirmed her interest in the participation of the ICESCO Director-General in a number of upcoming cultural conferences and events in the Russian Federation.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO; and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Head of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at the Organization.