Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Thaer Abubaker, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Morocco, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 2 November 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik began by congratulating Dr. Abubaker on his appointment as Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Morocco, wishing him every success in his diplomatic mission. He reiterated ICESCO’s firm commitment to providing all forms of support to Palestinian entities working in the areas within the Organization’s competence. He also underscored that the Palestinian cause and cooperation with the State of Palestine remain among ICESCO’s priorities.

Dr. AlMalik also affirmed ICESCO’s readiness to organize joint artistic and cultural activities to raise awareness of the civilizational identity of Palestinian society and the Islamic world. He further called for Palestinian young people to take part in ICESCO’s “10k AI Leaders” Program, which is due to be launched in the coming period.

The Director-General highlighted several of ICESCO’s initiatives in support of Palestine, including financial assistance for hundreds of Palestinian students in Morocco and Egypt, as well as an event held at ICESCO headquarters in November 2025 to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

For his part, Ambassador Abubaker thanked Dr. AlMalik for the warm reception and commended ICESCO’s efforts to support Palestinian students. He expressed Palestine’s willingness to work with ICESCO on developing academic, scientific, and cultural activities and programs, and raising awareness of Palestinian cultural heritage.

Ambassador Abubaker also spoke about the situation in Palestine and the challenges facing the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip in recent times, particularly the shortage of drinking water and essential supplies.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Ambassador Abubaker and his delegation on a tour of ICESCO’s studio and the Sultan Qaboos Library at the Organization’s headquarters.

The meeting was attended by, on behalf of ICESCO, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathurrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Dr. Nidal Abuzuhri, Director of the Department of Administrative Operations.