President Aliyev praises positive dynamic in relations with Russia
Azerbaijan, which historically was a land where representatives of different nations, religions and beliefs lived in an atmosphere of peace and friendship in a unique tolerant atmosphere, has become a good example of inter-religious and inter-civilizational understanding for the global community.
Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan is gaining recognition as a global phenomenon. Being a Muslim-majority country has not prevented Azerbaijan from becoming home to Christians, Jews and other religious confessions. Till today, the history has not recorded a single conflict between Christians, Jews and Muslims – the three main groups of believers.
President Ilham Aliyev met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on February 5.
The President congratulated Patriarch Kirill on the 10th anniversary of the Patriarchal enthronement.
“I am very pleased that soon after this momentous event you are visiting our country. We regard this as a sign of respect for Azerbaijan,” President Aliyev said.
“Your role in strengthening security, cooperation, and mutual understanding in the world is highly appreciated throughout the world, including in our country. You play a crucial role in strengthening inter-religious dialogue, in strengthening mutual understanding between representatives of different faiths, different nations and countries. We in Azerbaijan are very closely watching your deeds, your words and, of course, I would like to once again note that all your activities are aimed at serving your people. I would also like to note that in the matter of educating young people in the spirit of traditional values, your words, wise words based on deep knowledge, based on a principled position, play a very important role,” he said.
The head of state said that the current visit of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will serve to strengthen our relations in the sphere of inter-religious cooperation, and, in general, Russian-Azerbaijani relations, which are developing very successfully, dynamically.
“We have a very high level of mutual trust at all levels, from presidents to ordinary citizens. I would like to say that last year a record number of Russians visited Azerbaijan - about 900,000 people. That is, it is an indicator that the relationship between people and countries is at the highest level,” he stressed.
The President also noted that last year there were 6 meetings between the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan.
“This was also a record figure reflecting the nature and character of our relations, our closeness. And, of course, the visit of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to Azerbaijan and mine - to Russia played a very important role in further strengthening our relations. Our relationship, I think, can be an example for relations between neighbors. A great deal binds us historically, and today, when we are actively cooperating in all areas, of course, this cooperation is of particular importance in strengthening peace in our region, in the Caucasus. Therefore, when we look at the entire palette of interstate relations, we, of course, see a positive dynamic. And in this context, your visit today plays a special role,” he added.
The head of state once again expressed deep gratitude for visiting our country and wished Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia continued success in his noble cause.
In turn, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, in particular, noted that visiting Azerbaijan “is always a spiritually and culturally important event.”
"Your country with a deep and ancient history, your country, located at such a difficult civilizational crossroads, absorbed wisdom of surrounding nations, and, of course, its own historical experience, which was not simple, but which, undoubtedly, enriched the people with remarkable culture and spiritually. When visiting Azerbaijan, I always notice the high level of interreligious relations. Moreover, these relations are not only indicative at some official level. All this has a direct bearing on the life of ordinary people. And the Orthodox in Azerbaijan enjoy all the opportunities enjoyed by the Muslim majority,” said the Patriarch.
He went on to say that Orthodox citizens do not feel any discomfort while living in Azerbaijan. They are honest citizens of their country and at the same time Orthodox people who, by religious convictions, and traditionally associate, of course, very much with their historic homeland, Russia.
"And the contribution of Azerbaijan to the development of relations between our countries is always very, very significant. Your good will, your openness for the development of these relations are valued by our people," the Patriarch stressed.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia then met with First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.
For more than 20 years, the Coordination Council of public organizations of Russian compatriots has been operating in Azerbaijan, which unites social activists, representatives of religious denominations, intelligentsia, and mass media.
An example of true multiculturalism is the life of the Russian diaspora and the attitude towards the Russian language in Azerbaijan. Orthodox churches are being restored here, school olympiads and contests for knowledge of the creative work of Russian poets are being held. Russian culture is considered a part of the culture of the whole multinational Azerbaijan. Members of the Russian community are involved in all aspects of life of the country; they are full citizens of their homeland. Such internationalism, which unfortunately became a rarity in the postSoviet space, serves not only the well-being inside the republic, but also the strengthening of friendly relations that exist between Russia and Azerbaijan.
In Azerbaijan, the work on preserving the traditions of the language and culture of different nations, including citizens of Russian nationality, is understood and supported and elevated to the rank of state policy.
Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan has become a way of life. Multiculturalism as one of the main directions of state policy is of particular interest among countries of the world, and we are ready to share our experience in this area. Today, both political and social experience of Azerbaijani multiculturalism can give a lot to universal human values.
The equally warm attitude, equal attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev to the figures of various religions is both a human and political reason for the formation of their sincere attitude both to the state and to each other.
Azerbaijani people have developed a mentality of kindness towards all people who live within its territory despite nationality, roots, culture and religion. In general, this is an inherent quality of the Azerbaijani mentality and great efforts are made to preserve and strengthen harmony, mutual understanding and peace between religions and peoples, which, according to many foreign observers, contributes to world peace.