Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, APA reports. The meeting, which took place on May 3, was marked by discussions on the harmonious coexistence of various religious communities within Azerbaijan and the strong ties between the Azerbaijani and Russian peoples.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Aliyev expressed gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for accepting the invitation to visit Azerbaijan and emphasized the fond memories of previous meetings. The President highlighted the stability and mutual respect between the Azerbaijani and Russian peoples, noting the significant role of the Orthodox community in Azerbaijan’s societal development and its contribution to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Patriarch Kirill, in his remarks, praised the sincere and open relationship between the two countries and mentioned the positive dynamics of Russian-Azerbaijani relations. He conveyed
an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Aliyev to visit Moscow for the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day. Patriarch Kirill also acknowledged the warm hospitality of President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, attributing a sense of comfort and familiarity to their personalities.
During the meeting, Patriarch Kirill presented the Saint Princess Olga Order, First Degree, of the Russian Orthodox Church to First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. This order was awarded in recognition of her efforts in preserving traditional values and promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue in society.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her appreciation for the honor bestowed upon her. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining strong interfaith and intercultural relations, contributing to the sustainable development of both nations.