Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, met with George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, and Father Laurent Basanese, Secretary of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims, in Baku.
The event brought together members of the Milli Majlis, heads of religious confessions, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan, and the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Holy See.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office highlighted the historical development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican. He noted that the foundation of these relations was laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and is currently being successfully continued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade recalled the visit of Pope John Paul II to Azerbaijan, noting that he was the first Pope to visit a Muslim-majority country. He emphasized that Pope Francis’ visit to Azerbaijan is of great importance in terms of promoting tolerance and the multicultural environment in the country at the international level. He also highlighted the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underlining that, under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, significant progress has been made in restoring various religious monuments, including churches.
Pashazade emphasized that Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism policy is now recognized internationally as an example, noting that representatives of all religions live in the country in peace and mutual respect.
Addressing the event, Samad Seyidov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Affairs, and Musa Gasimli, Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis, emphasized the strength of religious ties between the countries and the importance of developing interfaith dialogue.
George Jacob Koovakad noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See are developing on the basis of mutual respect and friendship. He emphasized that the visits of Popes John Paul II and Francis to Azerbaijan played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations.
He conveyed his wishes for peace and prosperity to the Azerbaijani people, expressing confidence that cooperation between the Holy See and Azerbaijan will continue to develop successfully in the future.
Source: azertag.az
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