On June 17, Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, traveled to the city of Shaki.

As 525.az reports, the distinguished guest was accompanied by Ilgar Mukhtarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Holy See, and Mufti Haji Salman Musayev, Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Shaki Khan's Palace, the Albanian church located in the village of Kish, and other historical and architectural monuments. The distinguished guest was given a detailed briefing on Shaki's ancient history and architectural treasures, as well as the artifacts of Christian heritage found in the region. Cardinal Koovakad said that the Christian monuments preserved to this day are a vivid example of the tolerance that has existed in Azerbaijan for centuries. At the conclusion, Elkhan Usubov, Head of the Shaki City Executive Authority, presented symbolic gifts to Cardinal Koovakad.

On June 18, the delegation will travel to the city of Gabala.

It should be noted that Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, arrived in Azerbaijan on June 16 at the invitation of Sheikh ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board. A bilateral meeting was held between President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Cardinal Koovakad, during which Azerbaijan–Vatican relations were discussed.