Azerbaijan warns Georgian Patriarchate against following Armenian Church’s path

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has warned the Patriarchate of Georgia against repeating what Baku described as the “known approaches” of the Armenian Church, following recent remarks by the Georgian Orthodox Church concerning the Kurmukh Temple in Azerbaijan.

In a statement issued on September 25, the ministry said the Georgian Patriarchate’s remarks were “contrary to the spirit of friendship, partnership and good-neighborly relations” between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Caliber.Az reports.

The ministry stressed that it was unacceptable to refer to geographical and historical toponyms located in Azerbaijan by names other than those officially used by Azerbaijan.

Baku also emphasised that Azerbaijan has consistently respected Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while expecting the same principle to be upheld by the Georgian side.

“The Georgian side’s demonstration of the same respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes an important foundation of the strategic partnership relations established between the two countries,” the statement said.

Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan described the Georgian Patriarchate’s position as “incomprehensible”, arguing that it entails claims concerning Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Foreign Ministry further called on religious institutions to refrain from approaches that could damage the longstanding bonds of friendship and good-neighbourly relations between the Azerbaijani and Georgian peoples.

It also issued a pointed warning against repeating what it described as “the known approaches of the Armenian Church”.

“In this regard, repetition of the known approaches of the Armenian Church or following its path is not recommended,” the ministry said.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Azerbaijan’s position that all historical, cultural and religious monuments located on its territory constitute an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s statement came in response to remarks issued by the Patriarchate of Georgia on September 24 concerning ongoing works at the Kurmukh Temple. While acknowledging that the church is located on Azerbaijani territory, the Georgian Orthodox Church described it as an important monument of Georgia’s historical and spiritual heritage and expressed concern over information and photo and video materials about the works being carried out at the site and its surrounding grounds.

The Patriarchate questioned the nature and purpose of the works, saying the rehabilitation was being conducted without coordination with the Georgian side. It also said it had not received information from the relevant Azerbaijani state agencies regarding the activities at the church.