Important document signed between Azerbaijan and the Holy See

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Holy See and Azerbaijan at the Vatican on October 26.

According to TodayPress TV, the Caucasus Muslims Board announced the signing.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Holy See by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and on behalf of Azerbaijan by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

Highlighting the importance of the memorandum, Cardinal Koovakad described it as an important step towards deepening interreligious dialogue. He recalled his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan and particularly emphasised the country’s strong commitment to promoting peace and harmony.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade conveyed President Ilham Aliyev’s greetings to the prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Emphasising the significance of the document signed with the Holy See, he also spoke about the importance of the Catholic church currently under construction in Baku, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

The chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board stressed the importance of establishing a nunciature, or Vatican embassy, in Azerbaijan. He noted that equal conditions and full rights were ensured for all religions in the country.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade also stated that Vatican News, the Holy See’s news agency, had recently published inaccurate information sometimes based on Armenian sources. He presented substantiated evidence concerning the issue.

Cardinal Koovakad said he would immediately inform the relevant authorities and noted that the problem would be addressed.

Pashazade expressed his deep gratitude to Cardinal Koovakad for the facilities provided to Azerbaijani scholars at the Vatican Library.

It should be noted that the memorandum is the first initiative implemented with reference to the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, dated February 4, 2019. The memorandum once again clearly reflects Azerbaijan’s tolerant approach to promoting interreligious dialogue.

A Permanent Joint Committee on Dialogue will also be established to oversee implementation of the memorandum’s provisions and support the promotion of interreligious dialogue.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vatican and a religious centre is a first in the history of the Holy See. Until now, the Holy See has mainly signed similar memorandums with state institutions.

It is recalled that an agreement on the memorandum was reached in June this year during Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad’s visit to Azerbaijan.