His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Order of Friendship of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Doʻstlik) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and ICESCO and elevating this partnership to new horizons.

The decoration was awarded in appreciation of Dr. AlMalik’s efforts in supporting the civilizational and cultural initiatives implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as his contributions to promoting the values of friendship, solidarity, and trust among peoples, fostering intercultural dialogue, and advancing shared human values.

This honor reflects the culmination of the distinguished strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and ICESCO, which has, in recent years, witnessed the implementation of numerous pioneering initiatives and programs in education, culture, science, heritage preservation, and capacity building, in addition to cooperation on several major civilizational projects that highlight Uzbekistan’s historical role in advancing Islamic civilization.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep pride in receiving the decoration, affirming that it represents recognition of the role played by ICESCO and the efforts of its staff and partners across the Member States. He noted that it also reflects the depth of the close relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Organization.

The Director-General of ICESCO extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for this prestigious honor, commending his civilizational vision, which has made Uzbekistan a global center of Islamic civilization, a beacon of knowledge, and a hub for cultural and scientific cooperation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to continuing joint efforts in support of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic world.