On 16 June, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
According to AZERTAC, during the conversation it was emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See are developing successfully, and the role of mutual visits at various levels in advancing bilateral ties was noted. In this context, the significance of George Jacob Koovakad's upcoming visit to the country's regions was highlighted.
Expressing his gratitude for the reception and the hospitality shown to him, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue conveyed to the head of state the greetings of Pope Leo XIV and of the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his thanks for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to the Pope and to the Vatican's Secretary of State.
The head of state recalled with satisfaction his visit to the Vatican and his meeting with the late Pope Francis, as well as the Pope's visit to Azerbaijan.
During the conversation, it was noted with satisfaction that, historically, representatives of all peoples and religions in Azerbaijan have lived together as one family in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect, and the country's important contributions, as a space of tolerance and multiculturalism, to the development of interreligious and intercultural dialogue at the global level were emphasized.
The activity of the Holy See's Catholic Church in Azerbaijan was noted, and it was reported that a second such church is being built in the country.
The cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See was also touched upon, and the role of the Foundation's projects carried out in the country in preserving cultural heritage and promoting interreligious dialogue was noted.
At the meeting, there was an exchange of views on the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and on matters of mutual interest.
The head of state presented George Jacob Koovakad with a letter from Pope Leo XIV concerning an invitation to visit Azerbaijan.