The Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, hosted a delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) on November 13. The LDS Church has its central office in the United States.
His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam warmly welcomed the guests: Elder David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Jack Gerard, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and First Counselor in the Europe Central Area Presidency; Miles Hansen, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Stirling Foundation; and Elder Paul Picard, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy for Central Europe and Asia, expressing his pleasure at the delegation's visit to Azerbaijan. The CMB Chairman recalled his recent productive trip to Utah, USA, at the invitation of the LDS Church, and affirmed his interest in further developing mutual relations.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade underscored the recent opening of the LDS Church's Baku office as a clear demonstration of Azerbaijan's flourishing multicultural environment and high-level interreligious harmony. He provided the guests with detailed information on the initiatives undertaken in the country to develop state-religious relations.
The CMB Chairman noted the nation's recent solemn celebration of Victory Day, marking five years since Azerbaijan liberated its occupied territories and fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He stressed that achieving this historic Victory was not easy and required sacrifices from the people.
Highlighting the acts of vandalism perpetrated by Armenian forces against religious and cultural sites in the occupied territories, His Eminence stressed that the Azerbaijani state is restoring not only mosques but also monuments belonging to other faiths in the newly liberated regions. This action, he stated, powerfully illustrates the peaceful ethos of the state and the people, and their profound respect for spiritual values and interreligious understanding. He regretfully noted that the Armenian Church, conversely, continues to incite its congregation toward war and promotes feelings of revanchism and vengeance.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade asserted that Azerbaijan's global prestige and circle of friends is steadily expanding "as a result of the wise policy of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev." He added, "You are also among our friends. You have always defended the just position of our people."
The visiting delegates conveyed their appreciation for the sincere hospitality and highly praised the enduring environment of religious tolerance within Azerbaijan. They viewed their reception by His Excellency, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, as a mark of the high attention shown to the delegation.
His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam presented the church representatives with gifts symbolizing the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory.
The meeting was also attended by Members of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Javan-shir Pashazade, Samad Seyidov, Gudrat Hasanguliyev, and the Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, Ravan Hasanov.

A commemorative photograph was taken at the close of the meeting.