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

Axar.az reports, citing the Caucasus Muslims Office, that the memorandum was signed on behalf of the Holy See by Cardinal J. Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and on behalf of Azerbaijan by Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office.

Highlighting the importance of the memorandum, Cardinal Koovakad stressed that the document was an important step towards deepening interfaith dialogue. He recalled his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan and particularly emphasised the high level of efforts to promote peace and harmony in the country.

Sheikh-ul-Islam of the Caucasus 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 scheduled for completion in 2027.

The chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office stressed the importance of establishing a nunciature (Vatican embassy) in Azerbaijan. He noted that equal conditions and full rights were guaranteed to all religions in the country.

Sheikh-ul-Islam of the Caucasus also stated that Vatican News, the Holy See’s news agency, had recently published inaccurate information, sometimes based on Armenian sources, and presented substantiated evidence in this regard.

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

The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation between the Holy See and the Caucasus Muslims Office, as well as the tasks ahead.