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Fatima Latifova

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Anar Aliyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches of the Holy See, Azernews reports.

The meeting focused on existing relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican, as well as projects in the framework of cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Cardinal Gugerotti praised the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's projects in the Vatican and conveyed Pope Francis's special gratitude to the Foundation's President, Mehriban Aliyeva, for her continuous support.

The meeting highlighted the Foundation's restoration of catacombs in the Vatican, close cooperation with the Vatican Museums and the Apostolic Library, the digitization of archival manuscripts, and the visit of Vatican archaeologists to Azerbaijan for the restoration of historical and religious monuments, as well as the exchange of experience. The importance of implementing new projects in the future was also emphasized.

Cardinal Gugerotti commended these initiatives and noted that the construction of a new Catholic church in Baku, supported by the Azerbaijani government and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, is a striking example of the country’s multicultural policies.

The guest also emphasized that, against the backdrop of growing religious conflicts worldwide, Azerbaijan's multiculturalism policy and the peaceful coexistence of various religions in the country, along with the freedom of religious belief, are the greatest contributions to peace.

Anar Aliyev, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, mentioned that the Foundation’s President, Mehriban Aliyeva, has always placed special importance on relations with the Vatican and expressed confidence that this collaboration will continue to develop. The cooperation agreement signed with the Governorate of Vatican City regarding restoration work at St. Peter's Basilica was highlighted as a clear indicator of the close partnership between the two sides.

The representative of the Holy See also proposed holding Azerbaijani Cultural Days in the Vatican, organizing exhibitions and concert programs, and facilitating mutual exchanges between experts in various fields as part of future joint projects.

During the meeting, Cardinal Gugerotti was informed about preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will take place in Baku from November 11-22. The guest expressed confidence that the upcoming Global Summit of Religious Leaders, held under the slogan "World Religions for a Green Planet," will contribute to positive interfaith relations and the success of the international conference.