Vatican City: Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, engaged in a high-level meeting with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican. The dialogue underscored the mutual projects facilitated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, strengthening the cultural and religious ties between the two entities.

According to Trend News Agency, Cardinal Gugerotti praised the initiatives undertaken by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the Vatican, notably the restoration of the catacombs, collaboration with the Vatican Museum and the Apostolic Library, and the digitization of archival manuscripts. The Cardinal conveyed Pope Francis’s special gratitude to Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, for her unwavering support. The meeting also highlighted the visits of Vatican archaeologists to Azerbaijan to assist in re
storing historical and religious monuments and the exchange of expertise in these fields.

Cardinal Gugerotti commended Azerbaijan’s multicultural policy, exemplified by the construction of a new Catholic church in Baku, supported by the Azerbaijani government and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious freedom contributes significantly to global peace, particularly amidst growing religious conflicts worldwide.

Anar Alakbarov reiterated Mehriban Aliyeva’s dedication to fostering ties with the Vatican, expressing optimism about the future of this collaboration. The meeting also celebrated a cooperation agreement between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for restoration projects at Saint Paul Outside the Walls, reflecting the close partnership between Azerbaijan and the Vatican.

Cardinal Gugerotti proposed organizing Azerbaijani cultural days in the Vatican, including exhibitions and concert programs, as we
ll as mutual exchanges between specialists in various fields. These initiatives would further enhance collaborative projects with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Additionally, Anar Alakbarov shared updates on preparations for the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to occur in Baku from November 11-22. Cardinal Gugerotti affirmed his confidence in the success of the Summit of World Religious Leaders, slated to precede COP29 under the theme “World Religions for a Green Planet,” which aims to foster interreligious dialogue and cooperation.