Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid tribute to Dr. Ayman Ashour, former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of the end of his term as President of the Organization’s 14th General Conference.

During the ceremony held at ICESCO headquarters on Friday, 17 July 2026, and attended by H.E. Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif, Ambassador of Egypt to Rabat, Dr. AlMalik described Dr. Ashour as a key Egyptian figure whose name is closely associated with support for scientific research and the promotion of creativity and innovation. He added that Dr. Ashour is one of the renowned academic leaders in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Dr. AlMalik stated that Dr. Ashour presided over the General Conference during a period that marked a significant milestone in ICESCO’s transformation and development. “The achievements and tireless efforts of Dr. Ashour will remain a testament to what he has contributed to the Organization and its Member States, and will always be a source of pride for ICESCO and its General Directorate,” he further explained.

The Director General also commended the stronger bilateral relations between ICESCO and Egypt during Dr. Ashour’s presidency, praising Egypt’s generous support for the Organization, manifested in hosting the General Conference in 2021 under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and sponsoring numerous ICESCO conferences and initiatives benefiting the youth of the Islamic world.

In the same vein, Dr. AlMalik expressed his confidence that Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt and current President of ICESCO’s General Conference, will continue to advance the strategic cooperation between Egypt and ICESCO, expressing his hope that this collaboration will yield positive results across the fields of education, science, culture, and media in the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. Ashour expressed his delight at this tribute and expressed his appreciation to the Organization, stating that he had witnessed firsthand ICESCO’s commitment to joint and institutional action, which has driven its journey to become a leading international organization. He also praised Dr. AlMalik’s wise leadership in translating the Organization’s vision and strategic objectives into tangible outcomes, highlighting Egypt’s support, under the guidance of President El-Sisi, geared towards fulfilling ICESCO’s new vision.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif affirmed Egypt’s pride in presiding over ICESCO’s General Conference during the previous and current terms, underscoring the importance of sustaining the strategic partnership between Egypt and ICESCO.

The ceremony was attended by ICESCO leadership, heads of sectors, and directors of centers and departments.