Kazan: Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli, has unveiled a series of new cultural heritage cooperation initiatives alongside the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). An Azerbaijani delegation, led by Karimli, is participating in the 15th General Conference of ICESCO currently being held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, during the conference session, Karimli expressed Azerbaijan's congratulations to Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik on his re-election as ICESCO Director-General and extended best wishes for his future projects. He highlighted that President Ilham Aliyev places great importance on the collaboration between Azerbaijan and ICESCO and is committed to further enhancing the relationship with the organization.

Karimli pointed out significant achievements, such as the designation of Shusha as the 'Cultural Capital of the Islamic World' for 2024, the inclusion of the 'Imarat' Complex in Aghdam and the State Reserve of Shusha on ICESCO's Islamic World Heritage List, and the international technical missions conducted by ICESCO in the liberated territories. These milestones, he noted, are clear indicators of the robust partnership with ICESCO.

The minister stressed that the expertise of ICESCO should be leveraged in other conflict-affected regions within the Islamic world. He mentioned ongoing collaborations with ICESCO and international partners aimed at restoring cultural heritage damaged by conflict and developing a strategic roadmap. He also announced plans for a special session and security model presentation at the upcoming World Urban Forum in Baku.

Karimli described the establishment of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku as a pivotal development for enhancing Azerbaijan's relations with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. This office is expected to act as a platform for fostering cooperation in education, science, and culture across the region.

He also shared details about the 'ICESCO-Azerbaijan Natavan Excellence Award,' a joint initiative between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and ICESCO, which aims to provide a strong foundation for cultural dialogue.

In conclusion, Karimli highlighted ICESCO's significant role as a partner in the 'Baku Process,' initiated by President Ilham Aliyev in 2008, and extended an invitation to participants for the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, scheduled in Baku from October 27 to 29.