On November 5, Ali Asadov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended the Global Summit of Religious Leaders held in Baku under the slogan "World Religions for a Green Planet" within the framework of COP29. He held separate meetings with the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and Cardinal Claudio Gucerotti, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Eastern Churches of Interreligious Dialogue.
The importance of holding the Global Summit of Religious Leaders was emphasized in the meetings.
The importance of the development of the role of interreligious dialogue, national-cultural values and traditions of multiculturalism, and the more effective use of the potential of religions and beliefs in the fight against climate change was noted in the promotion of the green agenda.
It was stated that Azerbaijan, which has historically been a place where cultures meet and has rich traditions of tolerance, attaches great importance to the development of interreligious dialogue and is committed to its promotion.
It was emphasized that for centuries representatives of different ethnic groups and religions lived in peaceful conditions as a family in Azerbaijan.
A. Asadov, while informing about the state-religion relations established by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, said that this policy is successfully continued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, taking into account the challenges of the modern era. He said that the head of our state declared that multiculturalism is the state policy and lifestyle of Azerbaijan.
Recalling that the VI World Intercultural Dialogue Forum was held in Baku in May of this year, it was brought to attention that this event, which is part of the "Baku Process", is considered as an important international platform dedicated to the discussion of intercultural dialogue on a global scale.
It was stated that there are temples belonging to different religions and beliefs in Azerbaijan, they are protected by the state, and they are regularly repaired or rebuilt.
In particular, it was emphasized that a large number of cultural-historical and religious monuments are located in the liberated territories of our country, and it was noted that these monuments were destroyed and looted by Armenia during the 30-year occupation. It was pointed out that all towns and villages in these areas were razed to the ground, including 65 out of 67 functioning mosques.
It was also reported about the "Great Return" Program implemented in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur today, and it was emphasized that important work was done to restore the destroyed heritage.
It was brought to attention that, unlike Armenia, which pursued an aggressive policy against the people of Azerbaijan during the occupation and destroyed the historical, cultural and religious heritage of our people, Azerbaijan has turned tolerance and respect for other religions and cultures into a way of life.
In the meetings, the importance of cooperation between religious leaders was noted, and hope was expressed that religious leaders will not spare their support for our world to move confidently towards a greener future.