Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Azerbaijan on several areas of common interest.

During the meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key components of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which adopts an open-door approach to all countries, strengthens the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue to build a prosperous future and accords special priority to training youth in leadership in peace and security.

The meeting touched upon the opening of ICESCO’s regional office in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, and the signing of a relevant agreement between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan on Thursday, during the holding of the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalizing the Cultural Environment” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture.

ICESCO DG stated that this office will implement ICESCO’s activities and programs in Azerbaijan and its neighboring countries, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement and as part of ICESCO’s vision of strengthening relations and consolidating cooperation among its Member States.

ICESCO DG commended Azerbaijan’s support for the Organization’s initiatives and programs and the Azerbaijani officials’ eagerness to participate in the Organization’s activities. He added that ICESCO takes pride in considering Azerbaijan as one of the founding countries of the Organization.

For his part, the Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs valued ICESCO’s new vision and its roles in its fields of competence and commended the distinguished relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan. He also commended Dr. AlMalik’s attendance at the aforementioned Conference, highlighting the keenness of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to permanently support ICESCO.