Baku:Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, recently met with Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), to discuss avenues for enhanced cooperation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the discussions between the two leaders focused on the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan-ICESCO cooperation. They explored opportunities for expanding joint initiatives in the fields of education, science, culture, and cultural heritage preservation.

Jeyhun Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to working with ICESCO and emphasized the country's active involvement in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue, as well as multiculturalism and tolerance on an international scale. The significance of ICESCO's regional office in Baku was highlighted as a pivotal element in further strengthening the collaboration between Azerbaijan and the organization.

The meeting also underscored the importance of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which took place in Baku, in focusing the international community's attention on global challenges and enhancing dialogue and cooperation opportunities. Additionally, the Azerbaijani side briefed the ICESCO Director-General on initiatives aimed at preserving the country's rich cultural and religious heritage and efforts to restore cultural and religious monuments in liberated territories.

During the discussions, the historical importance of ICESCO's mission to these territories and the designation of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 were brought to the forefront. Jeyhun Bayramov also outlined Azerbaijan's preparations for the 2027 OIC Summit and its priorities during its chairmanship.

AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO's dedication to bolstering cooperation with Azerbaijan and praised the nation's efforts in promoting intercultural dialogue. The meeting covered additional issues of mutual interest to both parties.