Rome:Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with Raffaella Giuliani, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Giuliani welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation and discussed the book ‘Pontes Culturae’ (‘Bridge of Cultures’), which symbolizes the partnership initiated by Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi. She expressed the hope for the continued development of these friendly relations and acknowledged Mehriban Aliyeva’s ongoing interest in restoration efforts.
The meeting explored further restoration of the catacombs and the implementation of new restoration projects, which aim to involve more students and specialists. The importance of having professional experts working in various Azerbaijani churches was also highlighted.
Azerbaijan’s significant contribution to the restoration of Christian heritage, despite being a Muslim-majority country, was highly praised. The collaboration, particularly in catacomb restoration, is seen as a strong message of tolerance, peace, and intercultural dialogue to the world.