Azerbaijan's top cleric discusses G20 Interfaith Forum reforms with group's leader in US

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, has met the president of the G20 Interfaith Forum Association in the course of his visit to the US state of Utah.

The meeting with President Kol Durham took place in Salt Lake City as part of Pashazade's extended US visit at the invitation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community (LDS Church, informally referred to as the Mormon Church) and the Stirling Foundation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media outlets.

The CMB commented on the meeting, stating that both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation, which they highlighted is based on mutual trust and shared goals.

Noting his participation in previous G20 Interfaith Forums as a sign of deep respect for the platform and its peacebuilding mission, emphasized that in today’s world — where threats to human life and the existence of humanity are growing — the tradition of holding interfaith forums ahead of G20 summits has become an effective and practical expression of cooperation between political, civil, and religious leaders through global dialogue and joint action.

Expressing sincere gratitude to Pashazade for his active and consistent participation in the activities of the Interfaith Forums, Durham stressed that the experience and international standing of the Sheikh-ul-Islam significantly enhance the prestige and credibility of the events in which he takes part. The group's president also provided detailed information on the reforms planned within the structure of the G20 Interfaith Forum.

In the course of their conversation, both parties agreed to further exchange information and provide their experience during the ongoing reform process of the Forum’s structure.

The members of the Azerbaijani delegation attending the meeting with Durham and Nicole Stirling, the Vice President of the Stirling Foundation included Ravan Hasanov, the Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, and Javanshir Pashazade, a Member of the Milli Majlis (Parliament).

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade’s visit to the United States will continue for a couple of more days, with engagements with religious organisations in Washington, D.C., as well as meetings with members of the US Senate and Congress still ahead.

By Nazrin Sadigova