ICESCO chief hails Azerbaijan’s Victory Day as triumph of peace and reconstruction In congratulatory letter to President Aliyev

Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day.

In his message, Al-Malik conveyed his “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes” to the Azerbaijani leadership and people, noting that the anniversary marks a historic milestone in the nation’s modern history.

"On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Victory Day, I have the utmost honour to extend to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) and on my own behalf, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the leadership and people of Azerbaijan," the letter reads.

Al-Malik described November 8 as “not just the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity but also the triumph of justice and the beginning of a new chapter of peace, development, and reconstruction in the South Caucasus.”

He emphasised that the liberation of the territories had opened the way for “a remarkable process of restoration and rehabilitation, particularly in the field of cultural heritage, which represents the identity and spirit of the Azerbaijani people and the entire Islamic world.”

The ICESCO head also recalled the organisation’s involvement in post-war reconstruction efforts, saying: “In this regard, I am pleased to recall that ICESCO has dispatched two international technical missions to the liberated territories in past years, which have assessed the situation on the ground and provided recommendations for safeguarding and restoring cultural heritage affected during the occupation. We consider these efforts of utmost importance, not only for the preservation of Azerbaijan’s cultural legacy but also as a model for the protection of heritage in post-conflict regions around the world.”

Al-Malik praised Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, noting that each of his visits had revealed “rapid and impressive transformations” in the formerly occupied territories.

“On every visit to Karabakh, I have witnessed with great admiration the rapid and impressive transformations taking place there. The reconstruction of cities and villages, the rehabilitation of cultural and religious landmarks, educational institutions, and the revival of community life are great proof of that,” he wrote.

“These tangible achievements stand as a testament to Your Excellency’s visionary leadership and commitment to building a prosperous and peaceful future for your nation,” the ICESCO Director General added.

Concluding his message, Al-Malik once again extended his warm congratulations to President Aliyev, wishing “continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the Republic of Azerbaijan under your wise leadership.”

“Let me avail myself of this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem,” the letter concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova