Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations (SCRA) Mubariz Gurbanli met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan Bahrom Ashrafkhanov on September 30.

By emphasizing the importance of relations within bilateral as well as in the framework of   international organizations, the chairman Mr. Gurbanli spoke about the historical and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the exceptional role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev in the development of these relations,   ongoing successful progress of these relations the religious sphere as in all areas.

In the meantime, touching upon the importance of the activities carried out during the visit by Azerbaijani delegation to Uzbekistan in the "Year of Islamic Solidarity", Mubariz Gurbanli talked about the memorandums of cooperation signed between the State Committee on Religious Associations and the Committee for Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, as well as the Azerbaijan Theological Institute and  International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. He noted joint memorandum, which is important for the scientific and religious communities of both countries which is the next important step in strengthening cooperation in the moral-educational sphere.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee informed the ambassador regarding with violation of international law and attacks by Armenian armed forces to the position of Azerbaijan from several directions of the frontline since September 27 and responses with a counter-offensive operations by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov also was informed about 12 civilians who lost their lives and 42 injuries as a result of purposeful gunshot by Armenians to Azerbaijani settlements. Azerbaijan’s has a right and is willing to restore its territorial integrity and international community supports this fair position of the country, Mubariz Gurbanli underlined.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Ambassador Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov expressed his satisfaction with the high level of inter-religious relations in the country, successful cooperation between relevant agencies of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the direction of fight against radical groups who are misusing religion. The ambassador stressed the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and said that two countries will do their best for further development of friendly relations and partnership. Ambassador Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov specially stressed that Uzbekistan clearly supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.