Azerbaijan, Egypt mull interfaith dialogue and countering religious extremism

The Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations has discussed issues relating to interfaith dialogue and the fight against religious radicalism with his Egyptian counterpart as part of the former's visit to Cairo.

Chairman Ramin Mammadov was welcomed by Egypt’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Osama al-Azhari, Caliber.Az reports citing local media outlets.

Mammadov presented al-Azhari with facts about Azerbaijan’s long tradition of tolerance towards the practice of all religions and noted that state–religion relations are built on a solid foundation. He informed his Egyptian colleague that freedom of religion is being ensured by the government and that the traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance are an integral part of state policy.

He also provided detailed information on Azerbaijan's efforts to combat religious radicalism and extremism, as well as measures being implemented in the field of religious education and awareness.

Within the framework of this exchange on practices, the Egyptian minister noted that there are broad opportunities for cooperation in organizing reciprocal visits of scholars and religious figures from both countries, holding joint scientific conferences and seminars, and implementing projects in the field of religious education.

During the meeting, both parties emphasized how the historically established friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt were developing successfully across various sectors.

The Azerbaijani official is currently on an official visit to the Egyptian capital to participate at the 36th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

By Nazrin Sadigova