Baku: First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations. Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her pleasure at meeting Cardinal Pietro Parolin again and extended her congratulations to the Catholic world on the occasion of the ‘Jubilee Year.’
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Mehriban Aliyeva thanked the Secretary of State for his participation in the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan last year, highlighting the dynamic expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See. She emphasized that Azerbaijan’s commitment to religious tolerance and multiculturalism is reflected in both state policy and societal norms. She spoke about the efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in collaboration with the Holy See and noted the potential for further development of bilateral relations. Aliyeva announced that a positive decision has been made by President Ilham Aliyev for the construction of a second Catholic Church in the capital, which will begin soon.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his honor at meeting Mehriban Aliyeva again and conveyed his appreciation to the Azerbaijani state and President Ilham Aliyev for their efforts in strengthening relations with the Holy See. He praised the cooperation fostered by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and highlighted the exemplary relations between the state and the Catholic community in Azerbaijan. He commended the construction of a second Catholic Church in Baku as a testament to Azerbaijan’s respect for all religions.
The Cardinal further noted the awarding of Bishop Vladimir Fekete with the ‘Friendship’ Order by President Ilham Aliyev as a significant gesture of respect towards the Holy See. He also congratulated Azerbaijan on the signing of the Joint Declaration by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States, as well as on the initialing of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reaffirming the Vatican’s support for peace in the region.
Mehriban Aliyeva thanked Cardinal Pietro Parolin for his congratulations and reaffirmed the commitment of Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to the peace agenda, expressing hope for lasting peace in the region.