Azerbaijan, Holy See focus on deepening multifaceted cooperation PHOTO/UPDATED

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, focusing on enhancing diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See.

The discussions, shared by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X, centred on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including politics, culture, and humanitarian efforts.

Nazir Ceyhun Bayramovun Müqəddəs Taxt-Tacın xarici işlər üzrə dövlət katibi arxiyepiskop Pol Riçard Qallager ilə görüşünə dair mətbuat məlumatı

➡️https://t.co/Kyl3a8NcHC pic.twitter.com/ptKHRIxCYQ

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) December 16, 2024

The meeting also addressed regional and international security concerns, with both parties noting the positive momentum in mutual visits and contacts, which have helped strengthen bilateral ties. Bayramov highlighted the opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in the Vatican, along with the significant visits of Pope John Paul II in 2002 and Pope Francis in 2016, expressing hope that such exchanges would continue.

The active role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, in restoring cultural heritage sites worldwide, including in the Vatican, was also commended. Bayramov underscored that these efforts align with Azerbaijan’s broader push for promoting multiculturalism.

In the context of regional developments, Bayramov provided an update on the post-conflict situation in Azerbaijan and the ongoing peace process with Armenia. He expressed concern over Armenia’s territorial claims, which remain enshrined in its Constitution, and the continuing militarization of the country, which poses risks to regional stability.

Archbishop Gallagher thanked Azerbaijan for facilitating the construction of a Catholic church in honour of Pope John Paul II, acknowledging the positive relationship between the two nations.

13:58

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

A post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X says that the meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and discussing various aspects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, Caliber.Az reports.

Happening now: Tête-à-tête meeting between @Bayramov_Jeyhun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See 🇻🇦just started @AzerbaijanMFA. pic.twitter.com/6JgZHQbDMg

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) December 16, 2024

Further details of the meeting have not been disclosed.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher began his three.-day visit to Azerbaijan on December 13.

The main purpose of the visit is to bless the site and lay the foundation stone for a new church in the capital, Baku, dedicated to Saint John Paul II.

By Vafa Guliyeva