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    Category: Director General

    Director General

    At ICESCO Headquarters: Launch of UNESCO’s Book on the Legacy of Arabic Language along Silk Roads

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted the launch event for UNESCO’s book, “Underlining the Role and Legacy of the Arabic language in Cultural, Scientific, and Commercial Exchanges along the Silk Roads,” on Monday, 24 June 2024. This publication is the fruit of a collaborative effort between UNESCO, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic Language and the Silk Road Program.

    The event, organized by UNESCO and the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, featured a distinguished audience and began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a recorded speech from Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who commended the centrality of the Arabic language as highlighted in the book, emphasizing its role in enriching the Silk Road. He noted that Arabic, originating from the Arabian Peninsula, the cradle of the Islamic message, reached as far as China and Central Asia, extending to Türkiye and the borders of Europe. He also pointed out that translation to and from Arabic became one of the most lucrative trades.

    Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant DG for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, expressed her gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cultural diversity and highlighting the importance of the Arabic language in bridging civilizations.

    Dr. Saleh Ibrahim AlKhulaifi, DG of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, expressed his joy at the collaborative efforts that led to the publication of the book and emphasized its role in fostering intercultural dialogue through the Arabic language.

    Mr. Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Rabat, praised the book launch, stressing its vital role in preserving the legacy of the Arabic language. Moreover, he noted how it has cultivated a distinctive community along the Silk Roads, transcending barriers between diverse peoples.

    Dr. Li Ruohong, President of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, underscored the global significance of the Arabic language in enhancing heritage and urged the youth to actively preserve the cultural and social legacy of the Silk Roads.

    Dr. Hani Al Balawi and Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil, experts at ICESCO’s Center of Civilizational Dialogue, acknowledged the contributions of the partners and organizers, underscoring the crucial role of the Arabic language in taking up the torch of culture along the Silk Roads. Additionally, they highlighted ICESCO’s diligent efforts in preserving and promoting this legacy.

    The launch included two panel discussions on the legacy of the Arabic language along the Silk Roads. Dr. Omar Halli, advisor to ICESCO DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, chaired the first session, while the second was moderated by Dr. Mehrdad Shabahang, Head of the UNESCO Silk Road Programme.

    Dr. Abdulaziz Almagushi, Deputy Director-General of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, tackled the importance of Arabic culture, which traversed continents, imparting values, principles, and concepts that positively influenced various societies.

    In his concluding remarks, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, emphasized the profound importance of the Silk Road and the scholarly wealth encapsulated in the UNESCO book. He added that addressing the Arabic language in this launch reflects a strategic vision for languages, particularly Arabic, as a primary conduit for transmitting humanity’s scientific, cultural, and civilizational heritage. He also stressed the necessity of prioritizing its preservation and development.

    Launch of “ICESCO Young Anchor Competition” for non-Arabic-speaking children

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the launch of the “ICESCO Young Anchor Competition”, as part of the attention the Organization gives to the new generations and the youth of the future. The competition is aimed at non-Arabic-speaking children to encourage them to practice, master and use the Arabic language on an international scale. It also aims to boost their self-confidence, develop their communication skills and improve their linguistic and expressive competencies.

    The competition, organized by ICESCO’s Arabic Language Centre for non-Arabic Speakers, aims to promote intercultural understanding and the exchange of expertise between different cultures. It also aims to encourage children to express their ideas and opinions in innovative and diverse ways, helping to shape a generation capable of positively impacting their communities and building a better world through the power and appeal of words.

    Candidates wishing to take part in the Competition are invited to register from today, Monday 24 June 2024, until the end of October 2024. Entrants can compete in the following categories: National news or sports presentation, weather report presentation and news bulletin presentation.
    Applications are subject to the following conditions:

    • The participant must hold a non-Arab passport;
    • Participation must be in classical Arabic;
    • The participant must not be over 12 years of age;
    • The application must be submitted through the administration of the school with which the child is affiliated;
    • A video not exceeding 3 minutes must be sent to the competition e-mail address;
    • The application form must be completed and can be downloaded via the following link: https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Application-Form-ICESCO-Young-Anchor-Competition.pdf
    • A copy of the candidate’s passport and their guardian’s passport;
    • All participations must be sent to the following e-mail address: daaiac@icesco.org.

    After the closing date for nominations, a specialized jury will evaluate the nomination files and select the three winners. The first prize winner will receive US$ 4,000, the second prize winner US$ 2,000 dollars and the third prize winner US$ 1,000, in addition to receiving certificates of merit. The winners will be announced on ICESCO’s official website and through official notifications sent to the parties concerned. The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be announced at a later date.

    ICESCO Regional Educational Center in N’Djamena Becomes a Destination for Thousands of Chadian High School Students

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The ICESCO Regional Educational Center in its new headquarters in N’Djamena, the capital of the Republic of Chad, has become a favorite destination for high school students. Over the course of three weeks, the Center offers final review services for these students’ academic subjects before their end-of-year exams, led by a selection of the best teachers working with the Center.

    The ICESCO Educational Center in N’Djamena has been offering this service since moving to its new headquarters, officially inaugurated on 27 November 2023. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Mr. Moussa Khaddam, Chadian Minister of National Education and Civic Promotion, a group of senior officials and public figures, a representative from Qatar Charity (which funded the Center’s construction), and a large number of the Center’s alumni.

    The review sessions, attended by thousands of male and female students pursuing their education in Arabic schools both inside and outside of N’Djamena, covered subjects including Arabic, mathematics, science, geography, history, and other subjects.

    This initiative, implemented by the ICESCO Regional Educational Center in Chad under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Ali Qamar, Center director, has received widespread acclaim from all segments of Chadian society. It is part of ICESCO’s new vision to support the efforts of its Member States in the fields of education, science, and culture, focusing on building youth capacities and equipping them with the necessary skills to keep pace with global developments.

    ICESCO and OTS sign MoU for cooperation in education, science and culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the fields of education, culture, science, technology, media and communication, through the implementation of joint programs and projects, and the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge and best practices in these fields.

    The MoU was signed on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, OTS Secretary-General. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, Mr. Mustafa İlker Kılıç, Ambassador of Türkiye, Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy DG and several heads of sectors and departments at the Organization.

    Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight at signing this MoU, stating that it would be the stepping stone for greater cooperation between ICESCO and the OTS in the fields of education, science and culture. He also commended the strong partnership relations between ICESCO and a number of the Member States of both organizations, especially Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

    For his part, Amb. Omuraliev stressed that the signing of the MoU will open great prospects for impactful cooperation between the Member States of the two organizations through the implementation of joint programs and projects falling within the two organizations’ areas of competence.

    The MoU provides for promoting joint cooperation between the two organizations, contributing to the development of expertise and knowledge exchange between universities and higher education institutions in the Member States, participating in the annual and ministerial meetings of both sides, and implementing a number of initiatives and projects in areas of common interest.

    Prior to the signing, the Director-General received the OTS Secretary General, and together they reaffirmed their keenness to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, in accordance with the MoU provisions. They also agreed to focus efforts on building young capacities, supporting efforts to develop scientific research, and publicizing the cultures of the Islamic world and the contributions of its scientists throughout history in building human civilization.

    Founded in 2009 as an intergovernmental organization, the Organization of Turkic States is based in the Istanbul, Türkiye, and its members include Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The OTS also has a number of Observer States. in addition to the membership of a number of countries and organizations as observers.

    Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Morocco honors ICESCO Director-General

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    The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco honored Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presenting him with a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation, in recognition of his sincere efforts and that of ICESCO in supporting the charitable and cultural activities of the Group during the past period.

    Dr. AlMalik received the shield and the certificate, on Tuesday (11 June 2024), when he received a delegation of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, including Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, as well as Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, Ms. Zeina Baraka Atallah and Ms. Arwa Sultan, members of the Group.

    The Group began the meeting by thanking ICESCO DG for his support of the Group’s initiatives, especially in charitable work and the field of culture, commending ICESCO’s great efforts.

    The delegation handed Dr. AlMalik a copy of the report on the results of the Group’s activities for the past year, which features its key initiatives, most notably Ramadan food baskets distribution, Ramadan breakfasts, contribution to confronting cancer, Correct Your Sight campaign, and other initiatives.

    For his part, ICESCO DG expressed his happiness with this tribute, stressing that the Organization attaches special importance to social welfare programs in its Member States, within the framework of its new vision and strategic orientations, and cooperates with a number of donor institutions and bodies to support the neediest groups through capacity-building programs and entrepreneurship promotion.

    Discussing cooperation enhancement between ICESCO and Ibn Tofail University in Morocco

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Mohamed Larbi Kerkeb, President of Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Morocco. Both parties discussed enhancing cooperation between the Organization and the University in several fields, chief among them being artificial intelligence.

    During the Meeting, held today, Monday, June 10, 2024 at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the Organization’s commitment to openness and collaboration with universities. He acknowledged that universities and research centers are the best incubators for innovation and creativity. He explained that ICESCO implements many activities and projects with universities and places great importance on its scientific chairs program, which has established many chairs in various prestigious universities inside and outside the Islamic world. ICESCO DG also reaffirmed the Organization’s ongoing work to strengthen cooperation with and among universities through the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World.

    ICESCO DG praised the recommendations issued by the international conference “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities and Challenges,” which ICESCO and the University co-organized, along with the Moroccan Ministry Delegate in Charge of Human Rights, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the United Nations Development Programme. He pointed out that ICESCO places great importance on the ethical and value-based dimensions of artificial intelligence, as reflected in its preparation of the Charter on Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.

    For his part, Dr. Kerkeb commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting universities and contributing to the development of scientific research. He reaffirmed Ibn Tofail University’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Organization in various programs and projects, whether related to artificial intelligence and technology or other fields of applied sciences and humanities.

    The Meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Ajaoun, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Sehili, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO.

    Great Praise for the Achievements of “New ICESCO” at a Seminar in Tangier’s Council of Ulema Headquarters

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The remarkable successes and achievements of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and the development and modernization it has undergone in the past five years under its new foresighted vision, were highly praised by speakers, including intellectuals and experts, at the seminar “ICESCO and the issue of Evolution and Reform.” The Event was organized by the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation for Culture and Scientific Research and the International Civil Society Organization for Values of Citizenship, Development, and Dialogue in Tangier, Morocco, to honor Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.

    The Seminar kicked off today, Saturday 8 June 2024, in the lecture hall of Tangier’s Council of Ulema, with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. This was followed by an address from Dr. Mohammed Guennoun, President of the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation for Culture and Scientific Research, who emphasized that honoring ICESCO and its Director-General is an anchoring of the value of justice and Islamic principles by recognizing and rewarding diligent and sincere work, thereby encouraging further contributions.

    Dr. Mustapha Zebakh, President of the International Civil Society Organization for Values of Citizenship, Development, and Dialogue, stated in his speech that ICESCO, under the leadership of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, is currently experiencing a phase of development and reform. He noted that it is challenging to summarize the Organization’s accomplishments, which the seminar aimed to provide an evaluative and appreciative reading of.

    Dr. AlMalik began his address by expressing his gratitude for the initiative by the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation and the Civil Society Organization to honor ICESCO and its Director-General. He noted that this recognition of the Organization’s work is a prized accolade, enhanced by the distinguished attendance at the seminar in radiant and influential Tangier.

    His Excellency explained that the moment of honoring ICESCO and its Director-General is a moment to reflect on every great challenge, sharpening the motivation of all ICESCO staff to continue their dedication and hard work. He concluded his address by reciting the poem “Glorious Tangier,” which he composed in admiration of the Moroccan “Bride of the North.”

    Mr. Hani Mansi, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, expressed his great pride in the partnership between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    Ambassador Azzedine Saeed Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco, began the praise and testimonials by noting that ICESCO’s modernization and development experience in recent years warrants reflection. He mentioned that ICESCO has undergone significant changes in its vision and legislative structure, including organizational and operational updates.

    Dr. Khalid Samadi, President of the Moroccan Center for Educational Studies and Research, summarized his testimony on ICESCO’s new era under Dr. AlMalik’s leadership in several points, including the Organization’s ability to communicate, its openness, and its commitment to building bridges and embracing various fields to keep up with modern developments and challenges.

    Dr. Abdullah Bennaceur Alawi, President of the Moroccan Association for Academic Arab Studies, highlighted in his testimony that ICESCO’s new vision projects its sight towards the future, and Dr. AlMalik’s leadership has propelled the Organization into new horizons.

    The Seminar also featured several poetic recitations by Dr. Abdellatif Chehboun, a professor of higher education in Morocco; Dr. Souad Nasser, a professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan; and Dr. Ahmed Hachim Raissouni, Head of the Department of Literary Studies at the same university.


    In his remarks, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, emphasized that civilizational dialogue shapes ICESCO’s new comprehensive vision, aspiring to be an organization of international civilizational influence. He explained that the idea of establishing a Civilizational Dialogue Center, extending beyond religious dialogue, was Dr. AlMalik’s initiative, ensuring the uniqueness of the Center’s activity.

    For his part, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO’s Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, noted that the Organization’s new vision aligns with global transformations, providing it with the ability to address new developments in higher education, particularly in medicine, engineering, and future professions.

    Dr. Mahjoub Bensaid, a researcher in communication sciences and civilizational dialogue, considered honoring ICESCO’s Director-General as an embodiment of recognition and appreciation, as ICESCO has become a major international organization and a beacon of global cultural influence.

    Mr. Rachid El-Bakkali, Director of Cultural and Educational Islamic Affairs at ICSO, stated that ICESCO has made significant efforts to develop e-learning in its Member States.

    Mr. Najib Rhiati, former cultural advisor to ICESCO’s Director-General, mentioned that Dr. AlMalik successfully managed the Organization by diagnosing its needs and making it an ambitious entity with boundless aspirations. Mr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, Acting Director of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, praised ICESCO’s development and modernization over the past years.

    At the conclusion of the seminar, Dr. Mohammed Guennoun, President of the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation, and Dr. Mustaphaa Zabakh, President of the International Civil Society Organization, presented a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.


    In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik thanked the seminar organizers and attendees, emphasizing that ICESCO’s achievements are a continuation of the work of its predecessors. He acknowledged the contributions of the late Dr. Abdelhadi Boutaleb, ICESCO’s first Director-General, and Dr. Abdelaziz Touijri, the Organization’s former Director-General.

    Cultural and Artistic Evening at ICESCO Headquarters Celebrating “Shusha” as Culture Capital in Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a cultural and artistic evening on Friday, June 7, 2024, as part of the “Shusha Days”. The Event was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Morocco, in celebration of Shusha being 2024 Capital of Culture of the Islamic World. The Evening witnessed the high-level attendance of officials, ambassadors, prominent public figures, and a large audience.

    The Evening commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, in which he welcomed Shusha, represented by its art, heritage, and enduring legends, into the Organization’s premises. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in its deep relations with Azerbaijan and thanked the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Rabat, and the ICESCO team, particularly those from Azerbaijan, for their significant efforts in organizing the Evening.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted that Shusha exemplifies how supreme human values can endure despite adversaries, stating that the genius artwork is created by those who master the art of marrying color and thought. In this regard, the DG brought focus on the legend of “Khari Bulbul,” a unique and beautiful flower resulting from the fusion of a rose, a thorn, and a singing bulbul (songbird), which Shusha has adopted as its symbol.

    In his speech, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, thanked ICESCO and its DG for declaring Shusha Culture Capital of the Islamic World. He noted that the celebration program includes many outstanding activities to be implemented throughout the year.

    Ambassador Nazim Samadov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, also expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and its Member States for the honor bestowed upon Shusha. He referred to the words of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev during the launch of the celebration event of Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic World on 11 May 2024. He stated that the people of Shusha are honored to receive the title, which represents evidence of the increasing support and respect from the Islamic world towards Azerbaijan.

    The Event continued with a video presentation showcasing the most notable landmarks of Shusha, including scenes from the launch ceremony of Shusha as the Culture Capital. Following this, the musical segments of the evening commenced, featuring performances by more than 20 artistic and musical groups from Shusha and Azerbaijan, presenting traditional dances, tunes, and songs that highlight Shusha’s rich cultural heritage. These performances received significant interaction from the audience.

    The cultural event at ICESCO headquarters also included a photo exhibition revealing the extent of Azerbaijan’s achievements in reconstructing and rebuilding the beautiful city of Shusha, as well as a display of the most famous and delicious dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.

    Le Directeur général de l’ICESCO reçoit le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha

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    Dr Salim M. AlMalik, Directeur général de l’Organisation du Monde Islamique pour l’Éducation, les Sciences et la Culture (ICESCO), a reçu M. Aydin Karimov, Représentant spécial du Président de la République d’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha, pour examiner les derniers développements du programme de célébration de Choucha capitale de la culture dans le monde islamique pour 2024, suite au grand succès de la cérémonie de lancement, tenue sous le patronage de S.E. le Président Ilham Aliyev, Président de la République d’Azerbaïdjan.

    Au cours de la réunion, tenue vendredi 7 juin 2024 au siège de l’ICESCO à Rabat, en présence de M. Nazim Samadov, Ambassadeur de l’Azerbaïdjan au Maroc, et la délégation accompagnant M. Karimov, Dr AlMalik a réitéré ses remerciements et sa gratitude au Président azerbaïdjanais, pour son généreux patronage de ladite célébration et pour son soutien constant à l’ICESCO. Il a également remercié Mme Mehriban Aliyeva, Première vice-présidente, première dame de la République, et toutes les autorités azerbaïdjanaises, qui ont déployé des efforts considérables pour assurer le succès du programme de célébration, prévoyant des activités culturelles et artistiques tout au long de l’année à Choucha et dans nombre de villes du pays et d’ailleurs.

    Le Directeur général a souligné la volonté de l’Organisation d’approfondir le partenariat privilégié avec l’Azerbaïdjan, notant que la tenue d’une journée des « Journées de Choucha » au siège de l’ICESCO à Rabat incarne l’un des objectifs les plus importants du programme de l’ICESCO visant à célébrer les capitales de la culture, à savoir présenter le patrimoine culturel de ces villes pour enrichir le dialogue civilisationnel.

    Pour sa part, le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha a exprimé ses remerciements à l’ICESCO et à son directeur général pour avoir déclaré Choucha capitale de la culture dans le monde islamique, louant le rôle de l’Organisation dans la promotion des efforts des États membres dans ses domaines de compétence.
    La réunion a examiné les principales activités mises en œuvre à ce jour dans le cadre de la célébration de Choucha, ainsi que les activités prévues dans le futur. Les deux parties ont par ailleurs confirmé leur volonté de poursuivre la coordination et la coopération pour promouvoir le succès de ladite célébration.

    Ont représenté l’ICESCO à la réunion, Dr Abdelilah Benarafa, Directeur général adjoint de l’ICESCO, Dr Mohamed Zinelabidine, Chef du Secteur de la Culture et de la Communication et M. Anar Karimov, Chef du Secteur des Partenariats et de la Coopération internationale.

    À l’issue de cette réunion, le Directeur général a accompagné le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan à Choucha, et à la délégation l’accompagnant, dans une visite à l’exposition et au musée de la Sîrah du Prophète de la civilisation islamique, actuellement hébergés au siège de l’ICESCO.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District. The Two Officials discussed updates on the program celebrating Shusha as the 2024 Culture Capital of the Islamic world following the remarkable success of the launch ceremony, attended by His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and held under his patronage.

    During the Meeting, held today, Friday, 7 June 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, and in the presence of Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, and the delegation accompanying Mr. Karimov, Dr. AlMalik reiterated his gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for his generous patronage of the celebration of Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic world, and for his continuous support to ICESCO. He also expressed his gratitude to the First Vice President, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and all Azerbaijani parties that made significant efforts to ensure the success of the celebration program, which included cultural and artistic activities organized throughout the year in Shusha and several cities in Azerbaijan and other countries.

    ICESCO Director-General emphasized the Organization’s commitment to deepening its outstanding partnership with Azerbaijan, noting that organizing a day of “Shusha Days” at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat embodies one of the key objectives of ICESCO’s program to celebrate cultural capitals, which is to showcase the rich civilizational heritage and cultural legacy of these cities, thus enriching civilizational dialogue.
    For his part, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and its Director-General for choosing Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic World, appreciating the Organization’s roles in supporting its Member States’ efforts in their respective fields.

    The Meeting also discussed the main activities that have been carried out so far as part of the Shusha celebration and the activities planned for the upcoming phase. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordination and cooperation to ensure the ongoing success of the Celebration.

    From ICESCO’s side, the Meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.


    Following the Meeting, ICESCO Director-General accompanied the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha district and his accompanying delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Seerah of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters.