16 December 2024 16:00

On 16 December 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, within the framework of his visit to our country.

The tête-à-tête meeting between the sides then continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations.

At the expanded meeting, prospects for the development of existing bilateral, as well as multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as regional and international security issues were discussed.

It was noted with satisfaction that the increase observed in the dynamics of mutual visits and contacts between the two countries makes a serious contribution to the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in the political, cultural and humanitarian fields. The commencement of the activities of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the Vatican was noted with satisfaction as important for bilateral relations. The visits of Pope John Paul II to our country in 2002 and Pope Francis in 2016 were recalled, and confidence was expressed that mutual visits will be continued.

It was stressed that the active participation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, operating under the leadership of First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, in the restoration of cultural monuments of international importance located in many regions of the world, including in the territory of the Holy See, is commendable. It was stated that the measures taken are a continuation of our country’s existing experience and activities in the field of promoting multiculturalism, and in this direction, it was also noted that we are interested in developing cooperation with the Holy See.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also informed the other side in detail about the results of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in our country this year, and highlighted that, along with a number of important events and initiatives within the framework of COP29 successfully held under the Presidency of Azerbaijan, the Global Baku Summit of World Religious Leaders was organized.

The current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, as well as the current state of the normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the work conducted by the delimitation commissions were discussed in detail. It was noted that despite the important progress achieved in the direction of advancing the peace agenda initiated by our country, the continuation of territorial claims against our country in the Constitution of Armenia and other legislative acts, as well as the rapid armament of this country, pose a threat to regional peace and security.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher underlined that he feels great satisfaction with the consecration of the Catholic Church to be built in honor of John Paul II, and expressed gratitude for the conditions created for the construction of the church.

During the meeting, an exchange of views was also conducted on other issues of mutual interest.