AZE.US
President Ilham Aliyev received George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, on June 16.
During the meeting, the sides noted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, stressing the role of mutual visits at various levels in strengthening bilateral ties.
They also emphasized the importance of Koovakad’s planned visit to Azerbaijan’s regions.
Koovakad thanked the Azerbaijani president for the reception and hospitality and conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked Koovakad to convey his own greetings to the Pope and the Vatican secretary of state.
The Azerbaijani leader also recalled with satisfaction his visit to the Vatican and his meeting with the late Pope Francis, as well as Pope Francis’ visit to Azerbaijan.
The meeting highlighted that representatives of different peoples and religions have historically lived in Azerbaijan in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. The sides also noted Azerbaijan’s role as a space of tolerance and multiculturalism and its contribution to interreligious and intercultural dialogue at the global level.
The activity of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan was also discussed. It was noted that a second Catholic church is being built in the country.
The sides also touched on cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See, stressing the importance of the foundation’s projects in preserving cultural heritage and promoting interreligious dialogue.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
President Aliyev handed Koovakad a letter inviting Pope Leo XIV to visit Azerbaijan.
AZE.US