Azerbaijan expands embassy presence in Vatican with new office photo

On October 17, Azerbaijan officially opened the administrative office of its Embassy to the Holy See, signalling a new phase in diplomatic engagement between Baku and the Vatican, domestic media reports.

The ceremony brought together Azerbaijan’s First Vice President, Mehriban Aliyeva, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Ilgar Mukhtarov, briefed participants on the newly opened administrative office, located on Via della Conciliazione — the main avenue leading to St. Peter's Basilica, close to the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. The street also hosts official Vatican institutions, as well as administrative offices of several embassies accredited to the Holy See.

It was emphasised that relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Holy See have steadily developed in recent years in a spirit of mutual respect, interest, and fruitful cooperation, with collaboration deepening and diversifying across various fields.

Following the ceremony, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and Cardinal Pietro Parolin exchanged views over tea on bilateral relations, the international agenda, and other matters of mutual interest.

Given that the Holy See serves as the spiritual and ideological centre for more than a billion Catholics worldwide, the activities of Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission carry particular significance in promoting the country’s realities to the global community.

In 2021, President Ilham Aliyev signed the law on the official establishment of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Holy See. In 2022, Ilgar Mukhtarov was appointed as Azerbaijan’s first resident ambassador to the Holy See.

By Tamilla Hasanova