The Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, met with high-ranking representatives of the Holy See within the framework of his visit to the Vatican.
AZERTAC reports that during the meeting of Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade with Cardinal George Jacob Kuvakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican was expressed. Azerbaijan's policy of tolerance and multiculturalism was discussed, and it was stated that our country ensures the coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups in conditions of peace and mutual respect by protecting religious and cultural diversity.
The contribution of Azerbaijan to interreligious and inter-civilizational dialogue was welcomed at the meeting. In this regard, the importance of cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See was emphasized, and it was noted that this successful cooperation not only serves the preservation of cultural heritage but also contributes to the development of interreligious dialogue. It was stressed that these projects reflect the concrete and practical contribution of Azerbaijan, including the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, to inter-cultural and interreligious dialogue.
Also, the activity of the Holy See's Catholic Church in Azerbaijan was mentioned, and information was provided about the work done regarding the construction of the second Catholic Church. It was brought to attention that the Caucasus Muslims Board, with the co-organization of the Muslim Council of Elders and the UN Alliance of Civilizations, will hold a conference for religious leaders from various countries next year dedicated to inter-Islamic dialogue and the fight against Islamophobia.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade expressed his satisfaction to see Cardinal Kuvakad and Cardinal Gugerotti among the participants of the conference. He noted that the Caucasus Muslims Board is interested in developing relations with the Vatican.
The Holy See side stated that the inter-sectarian and inter-religious environment in Azerbaijan serves as an example not only for Muslim countries but for the entire world, and the importance of widely promoting this example on the international level was highlighted.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the Holy See, Ilgar Mukhtarov, and our Ambassador to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, also participated in the meeting.
Within the framework of the visit to the Vatican, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade also met with the Holy See's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. During the meeting, the high-level development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican was emphasized, and the exemplary nature of these relations was noted.