President Mirziyoyev, ICESCO Chief Discuss Expanding Cultural and Educational Cooperation

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), who visited Uzbekistan to participate in the First International Islamic Civilization Forum.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed prospects for expanding multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and ICESCO, an authoritative institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They expressed satisfaction with the steady development of practical collaboration across education, science, culture, and heritage preservation.

The discussions highlighted the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and ICESCO, including the establishment of an ICESCO Chair at the International Islamic Academy and the opening of the organization’s office in Tashkent earlier this year.

President Mirziyoyev also welcomed the decision of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, which, during its latest meeting in February, added seven elements of Uzbekistan’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage to the ICESCO Heritage List.

Particular attention was devoted to strengthening cooperation in the restoration, preservation, and digitization of cultural monuments and historical manuscripts. The two sides also explored opportunities to promote Uzbekistan’s rich historical and cultural legacy through international media platforms and organize joint cultural and educational initiatives.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev presented ICESCO Director-General Salim AlMalik with Uzbekistan’s prestigious Order of “Dustlik” (Friendship) in recognition of his personal contribution to the international promotion and preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage.