President Ilham Aliyev Meets ICESCO Director-General to Discuss Cooperation

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday received Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), to discuss bilateral cooperation and initiatives aimed at promoting education, science, culture and humanitarian development across the Muslim world.

According to AZERTAC, the ICESCO Director-General congratulated President Aliyev on the successful organization of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Azerbaijan, highlighting the significance of the event in promoting intercultural understanding and international cooperation.

AlMalik noted that President Aliyev’s address at the forum had attracted considerable interest. He particularly emphasized the importance of other countries drawing lessons from Azerbaijan’s experience in ending wars amid ongoing conflicts around the world.

He also highlighted the relevance of the Azerbaijani president’s views on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states in the context of contemporary international relations.

Expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s continued support for ICESCO’s activities, including its voluntary financial contributions, AlMalik said the organization faced important tasks in advancing its educational, scientific and cultural agenda.

He particularly appreciated Azerbaijan’s assistance to projects aimed at developing education in ICESCO member states, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening educational opportunities across the Muslim world.

In this regard, the ICESCO Director-General highlighted the cooperation with Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and underscored the significance of humanitarian and educational initiatives implemented in Muslim countries with her support.

President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, praised the cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity and promoting collaboration among Muslim nations.

He noted that Azerbaijan would host the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) next year and assume the organization’s chairmanship. The president emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue supporting the activities of both the OIC and ICESCO.

The meeting also featured an exchange of views on key issues on the bilateral cooperation agenda, with both sides underscoring the importance of continued engagement in education, culture, humanitarian affairs and other areas of mutual interest.

The discussions reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with ICESCO and contributing to initiatives that advance educational development, cultural dialogue and solidarity across the Muslim world.