Salt lake city: Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), is currently visiting the U.S. state of Utah. Invited by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Stirling Foundation, his visit includes participation in significant events aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade attended the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on October 4. During the event, he addressed participants, extending greetings from Azerbaijan, a nation celebrated for its multicultural values. He highlighted the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, noting Azerbaijan’s role as a global model for tolerance and interfaith solidarity.
The CMO Chairman praised the strengthening friendship between religious communities in the United States and Azerbaijan and acknowledged the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ inclusion in Azerbaijan’s multicultural family. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the United States’ support of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and peace efforts in the region, specifically recognizing the contributions of the Washington Summit held on August 8 and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Sheikhulislam Pashazade also thanked the Stirling Foundation for its humanitarian efforts in demining Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s active participation in intercultural dialogue, citing initiatives such as the ‘Baku Process,’ the 2010 World Summit of Religious Leaders, and the upcoming Global Summit of Religious Leaders in 2024 within COP29.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s history of religious coexistence, Sheikhulislam Pashazade credited National Leader Heydar Aliyev for establishing this tradition, which is continued by President Ilham Aliyev. He also acknowledged First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva’s contributions to promoting multiculturalism globally.
During the conference, a film commemorating the late president of the Church, Russell Nelson, was screened. Sheikhulislam Pashazade also met with Stuart Adams, President of the Utah State Senate, who commended Azerbaijan’s multicultural model.
The events were attended by Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, and Javanshir Pashazade, Member of the Milli Majlis, as Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade’s visit to the United States continues.