On October 22, as part of the international symposium titled “Modern Models of Religious Education: Moral Values in the Context of Global Challenges,” the Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, Ramin Mammadov, held meetings with heads of religious and academic institutions from several countries.

Meetings were held with Zekeriya Akman, Rector of Kilis 7 Aralık University, Türkiye; Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, Chairman of the MUSLIM Institute, Pakistan; Ahmad Hussein Mohammed Ibrahim, Rector of “Nur-Mubarak” Misr Islamic Culture University, Kazakhstan; Bahman Baktiari, Executive Director of the Baskerville Institute, USA; Giorgi Zviadadze, Rector of Tbilisi Spiritual Academy and Seminary; Damir Muhetdinov, First Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Rector of Moscow Islamic Institute, and Honorary Professor of Azerbaijan Institute of Theology; and Arif Saidov, Rector of Sheikh Abdullah Efendi Islamic University, Russia. Discussions focused on the development prospects of cooperation in the religious and moral spheres, including religious education.

Ramin Mammadov emphasized that state support for religion and religious education is a crucial component of state-religion relations in Azerbaijan. He remarked that this policy continues the vision established by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and is successfully implemented today under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The primary objective is to maintain a healthy religious environment, ensure the moral resilience of society, and develop religious education in line with modern requirements.

The Chairman also discussed Azerbaijan’s social model, which is based on religious diversity and interfaith harmony, emphasizing that relations between various confessions are built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. This model presents Azerbaijan as an exemplar of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence to the world. He added that these principles also guide the work of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology.

Regarding the importance of the international symposium, Ramin Mammadov noted that such events significantly contribute to enhanced cooperation among relevant institutions, expand the exchange of experiences, and implement joint initiatives. These platforms are valuable not only for scientific exchange but also for strengthening strategic cooperation.

The invited guests highly appreciated the symposium, expressing hope for the continuation of this tradition. They emphasized the importance of organizing scientific events and bringing together scholars from various countries. They also acknowledged that dialogue between cultures and religions is highly developed in Azerbaijan, with the consistent policy pursued by the State being regarded as exemplary on the international stage. The guests noted that Azerbaijan is recognized globally as a country with a model of coexistence based on mutual respect and tolerance.

Ideas and proposals for the development of cooperation in the field of religious education were actively exchanged during the meetings.