Baku:Protection of religious and cultural sites holds significant importance for peaceful coexistence, a United Nations official stated during a recent event. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, highlighted this during the opening ceremony of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, themed 'Dialogue for a Shared Future'.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Zouev spoke about the UN Global Programme on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets, which provides support to member states in safeguarding these vital sites.

Zouev emphasized that the protection of such sites is crucial for maintaining the desire and capacity for peaceful coexistence among communities. He also noted that President Ilham Aliyev and the Government of Azerbaijan are strong supporters of the protection of religious and cultural sites.