The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Monday, August 24, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, with Mr. Zakalia Kote, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Morocco. The two officials explored cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Burkina Faso in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reiterated his thanks to President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré for his participation, on June 25, in ICESCO’s “Mental Health and Strengthening Resilience during Crises” webinar. He added that the active participation reaffirms the strong relation between the Organization and Burkina Faso.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the key features of ICESCO’s new vision and strategy, which rely on effective communication with Member States, and enable non-Member States to join the Organization as Observer States. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was an opportunity to put into action the orientations of the vision. 

The DG underlined that ICESCO launched several practical initiatives, programs, and activities to support Member States’ efforts in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. He added that the Organization provided technical and financial assistance to contribute to the fields of education, science, and culture.

Burkina Faso has been a partner in ICESCO’s “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition Initiative,” with projects and programs targeting the states most vulnerable to the pandemic, stated the DG referring to the priority status of African Member States.  

Ambassador Kote commended the remarkable work ICESCO has carried out during the pandemic, praising the Organization’s support for his country to ensure the continuity of schooling. The Ambassador also praised the aid ICESCO and its partners provided to vulnerable beneficiaries during the pandemic. 

The two parties agreed to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the country. This includes inscribing Burkina Faso’s heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List.

The First Counsellor of the Embassy of Burkina Faso, the Cultural Adviser and ICESCO’s sector directors attended the meeting.