Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the Hermitage Museum in the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Kazan International Forum, which took place from May 13 to 15 in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

The two parties discussed prospects for cooperation in preserving and restoring cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of drawing on international experience in reconstructing historical sites and conserving precious artifacts. This is particularly important considering the damage caused by crises and wars to certain heritage sites in the Islamic world.

The meeting focused on the Hermitage Museum’s advanced use of artificial intelligence technologies to display archaeological sites as faithfully as possible to their original historical shapes. Both parties also discussed transferring these skills to museums in Islamic countries to upgrade their capacities to maintain and conserve exhibited collections for future generations.

The two sides also agreed to sign a cooperation agreement during Mr. Mikhail Piotrovsky’s visit to ICESCO headquarters next June, accompanied by a delegation. The agreement will focus primarily on restoring archaeological sites and displaying them in 3D imagery to preserve their original identity. In addition to exchanging scientific and technical expertise in heritage conservation, the agreement aims to foster cultural cooperation between the Hermitage Museum and Islamic countries.