Rabat, July 08 (QNA) - The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the global academic presence of the Arabic language and fostering scholarly dialogue on linguistics, translation and Arabic language studies.

The initiative was unveiled at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat in the presence of leading academics, researchers and specialists in Arabic language education and promotion.

It seeks to establish a regular institutional platform for academic dialogue and knowledge exchange on issues related to the Arabic language, linguistics and translation, while enhancing Arabic's standing in international academic circles.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Director of ICESCO's Translation and Publishing Center, said the initiative would serve as an institutional platform for scholarly dialogue and knowledge exchange while supporting the documentation, publication and translation of academic research.

Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers at ICESCO, said the initiative complements the center's existing programs and reflects the organization's commitment to promoting Arabic as a global language for scholarship, innovation and intercultural dialogue.

The opening session featured a lecture by Dr. Abdellali El Ouedghiri, professor of Arabic language and linguistics at Mohammed V University, examining the historical and linguistic ties between Arabic and African languages and Arabic's role in shaping the continent's cultural and intellectual heritage. (QNA)