Baku: Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering interreligious dialogue and cooperation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the MoU outlines plans for exchanging experiences and information, organizing joint events to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and enhancing mutual understanding and tolerance. The agreement also includes provisions for collaboration in religious education.

The MoU was signed by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See. Ramin Mammadov voiced optimism that the memorandum would significantly contribute to promoting interreligious harmony and cultural diversity. He highlighted the longstanding cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, citing collaboration with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation as a prime example of intercultural dialogue and respect for global cultural heritage.

Ramin Mammadov emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding among religious confessions under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He also noted the restoration and reconstruction of religious monuments in liberated territories affected by Armenian vandalism, with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation spearheading these efforts under the guidance of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad praised the high-level collaboration between Azerbaijan and the Vatican, noting the significance of visits by Popes John Paul II and Francis to Azerbaijan in strengthening bilateral relations. He described the memorandum as a testament to the respect for religious minorities, referencing the 2011 agreement between Azerbaijan and the Holy See on the legal status of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan. The Cardinal expressed confidence in the memorandum’s potential to enhance interreligious harmony and cultural diversity, while also thanking President Ilham Aliyev for his support in the memorandum’s approval and signing.