On July 28, during a visit to the Vatican, the delegation led by Ramin Mammadov met with Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, Deputy Secretary of State of the Holy See.

The meeting expressed satisfaction with the high-level development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and emphasized the importance of cooperation in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Chairman Mammadov provided detailed information on Azerbaijan’s state policy under President Ilham Aliyev to preserve religious diversity and strengthen interfaith harmony. He emphasized that purposeful state policies deepen interfaith dialogue, reinforce a multicultural and tolerant environment, with religious communities actively participating in promoting interfaith cooperation within the framework of the law.

He also noted the state’s financial and moral support to religious communities and highlighted the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s projects under First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, aimed at restoring and preserving religious and cultural monuments in the Vatican as a tribute to global heritage.

Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra praised the development of relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan, noting the significance of initiatives that promote peace and mutual understanding. He particularly highlighted the Foundation’s initiatives in preserving world cultural, historical, and religious heritage and fostering interreligious and intercultural relations. He also spoke about the growing importance of interfaith dialogue in a globalizing world and stressed that these events play a major role in promoting universal human values.