British News Agency

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Salim bin Mohammed Al-Maliki, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on October 27.

Al-Maliki congratulated Aliyev on the successful organization of the 7th Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Azerbaijan. Noting that Aliyev's speech at the forum had attracted considerable interest, Al-Maliki emphasized the importance of drawing on Azerbaijan's experience in ending ongoing conflicts. He also stated that Aliyev's remarks on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states remained relevant to contemporary international relations.

Al-Maliki thanked Aliyev for his continued support for ICESCO's activities and voluntary financial contributions. He expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan's support for projects aimed at developing education in Muslim member states of the organization. In this context, Al-Maliki also referred to cooperation with Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, highlighting the importance of humanitarian and educational projects implemented in Muslim countries.

Aliyev expressed satisfaction with cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. Stating that Azerbaijan has consistently worked to strengthen Islamic solidarity, Aliyev noted that the country would host the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit next year and assume the organization's rotating chairmanship. Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue supporting the activities of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and ICESCO.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on issues on the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and ICESCO.