On July 28, a Memorandum of Understanding on Interfaith Dialogue Between the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See was signed.

The memorandum aims to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding and tolerance, facilitate the exchange of experience and information, and organize joint activities. It also includes provisions for cooperation in religious education.

The Memorandum was signed by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See.

Chairman Ramin Mammadov expressed confidence that the Memorandum would significantly contribute to the promoting interfaith harmony and cultural diversity while raising awareness of these values. He extended greetings on the occasion of the Holy Jubilee Year and highlighted the substantial development of friendly and cooperative relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Holy See. He noted that collaboration between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Vatican is regarded as one of the best examples of intercultural dialogue and a sensitive approach to world cultural heritage. He highlighted successful projects, such as the restoration of catacombs, cooperation with the Vatican Museum and the Apostolic Library, and the digitization of archival manuscripts, all aimed at contributing to humanity’s shared heritage.

Providing an overview of Azerbaijan’s religious environment, Chairman Mammadov noted that the state policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is grounded in the principles and norms of international law, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding among religious denominations in Azerbaijan.

R. Mammadov also highlighted that a key step following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories was the restoration and reconstruction of religious monuments that had been subjected to Armenian vandalism. He emphasized that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, is implementing large-scale projects in the liberated areas for this purpose.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad expressed satisfaction with the high-level cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Vatican, noting the significance of papal visits to Azerbaijan by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis in advancing bilateral relations. He regarded the Memorandum as a successful outcome of the agreements solidified by the “Agreement on the Legal Status of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Azerbaijan,” signed on April 29, 2011, which reflects respect for and recognition of religious minorities in Azerbaijan. Cardinal Koovakad also expressed confidence that the projects stemming from this Memorandum will play an important role in promoting interfaith harmony and cultural diversity. He conveyed his respects to President Ilham Aliyev for his support in approving and signing the memorandum.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ilgar Mukhtarov, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Holy See.