The Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik, met with the leadership of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Report informs.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Community's Board of Directors, Aziz Alakbarli, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Misir Mardanov, and other representatives of the organization's leadership.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on the protection of cultural heritage, uncovering truths about Islamic heritage through education and scientific research, and issues of intercultural dialogue.
Community representatives informed the ICESCO leader about the violation of fundamental rights, including cultural and educational rights, of Azerbaijanis who were subjected to ethnic cleansing from the territory of present-day Armenia, and the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage there.
They expressed hope for the organization's efforts on these issues in accordance with the decisions of the 2024 Banjul summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and ICESCO's mandate.
The ICESCO leadership appreciated Azerbaijan's ethnic and religious diversity, tolerant environment, and Azerbaijan's contributions to intercultural dialogue and ICESCO's activities. The Western Azerbaijan Community's peaceful approach based on international law was praised, and the importance of uncovering truths about Islamic heritage and protecting cultural heritage for peace and understanding was emphasized.
During the meeting, practical cooperation directions on matters of mutual interest were reviewed.