Baku:Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), during AlMalik's visit to Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of collaboration between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, emphasizing potential expansions in education, science, culture, and cultural heritage protection.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Minister Bayramov stressed Azerbaijan's commitment to working with ICESCO and its active participation in global efforts to foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue, multiculturalism, and tolerance. The significance of the ICESCO regional office in Baku was highlighted as a pivotal point for enhancing cooperation within the organization.

The discussion also touched on the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, noting its role in addressing global challenges and enhancing dialogue and cooperation. Additionally, the Azerbaijani side provided updates on efforts to preserve the nation's cultural and religious heritage, particularly in the liberated territories, and highlighted Shusha's designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.

Minister Bayramov informed the ICESCO Director-General about Azerbaijan's preparations for hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in 2027, including planned events and Azerbaijan's priorities as OIC chair. AlMalik expressed ICESCO's interest in strengthening ties with Azerbaijan and acknowledged the country's efforts in promoting intercultural dialogue.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other topics of mutual interest between the two parties.