Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ambassador Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on International Cultural Cooperation, to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the Organization and the Russian Federation in the cultural field and to sign a cooperation agreement and joint action plan.

During the meeting, which toot place on Friday, 25 September 2026, in Saint Petersburg held at the direction of the Office of His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in education, science and culture, in line with its action plan and strategic vision. He commended the strong partnership between the Organization and Russia, which has resulted in several activities and programs in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, including the joint launch of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World, the hosting by the Tatarstan capital of the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference, and the Organization’s participation in several conferences and symposia in Russia.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the distinguished relations, shared values and deep cultural ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He stressed the need to strengthen these ties by developing and implementing joint initiatives, programs and projects, given their contributions to the enrichment of human civilization.

For his part, Ambassador Shvydkoy praised ICESCO’s contributions across its fields of action and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Organization and Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. He affirmed his country’s readiness to sign an agreement establishing an action plan for joint cooperation in the upcoming period.

During the meeting, which was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, the two sides discussed ways to expand the partnership to encompass Russia as a whole, in its capacity as an Observer Member of the Organization.