Baku, June 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, Ramin Mammadov, met on June 16 with George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, and Father Laurent Basanese, Head of the Dicastery’s Department for Relations with Muslims, to discuss the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and prospects for enhanced cooperation in interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
During the meeting, Mammadov highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and mutual trust in the region, noting that these efforts are being advanced through the successful policies of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to promote important international initiatives while upholding a model of coexistence founded on mutual respect, equality, and inclusiveness.
Mammadov also underscored the significance of the cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See, led by Azerbaijani First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening intercivilizational dialogue and understanding among different cultures and faiths.
For his part, Koovakad stressed the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed between Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, noting that the agreement has helped deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties between the two sides.
The Vatican delegation also praised Azerbaijan’s efforts to preserve religious diversity, promote tolerance, and encourage peaceful coexistence among different faith communities. They commended the country’s extensive experience in this field and its growing contribution to interfaith dialogue at the international level.
During the discussions, Vatican officials were briefed on the documentary film Harmony, produced by Arzu Aliyeva, head of the Baku Media Center. The film highlights Azerbaijan’s traditions of tolerance and coexistence. The participants also discussed the possibility of screening the documentary in various countries, including the Vatican.
The meeting further addressed prospects for joint initiatives aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, the role of cooperation among religious leaders and institutions in addressing global challenges, and other issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of peace, tolerance, and intercultural understanding worldwide.
