Azerbaijani, Turkish top religious officials discuss expanding ties

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations of Azerbaijan, held a meeting with Safi Arpaguş, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Department of Türkiye.

Local media reports that during the meeting, both sides highlighted the deep historical roots of the brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, noting that the political will of the heads of state has laid a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Mammadov congratulated Arpaguş on his appointment and expressed confidence that religious cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow.

He emphasised that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev prioritises the preservation and promotion of national moral values, cultural heritage, customs, and traditions worldwide, which has helped ensure religious freedom in the country.

The Azerbaijani official also noted that mutual understanding and effective collaboration among different religious confessions have been strengthened, creating a distinctive and successful model of state-religious relations in Azerbaijan, consistent with the principles of a secular state. This model supports religious communities, promotes comprehensive religious education and enlightenment, and addresses contemporary challenges.

Arpaguş, for his part, stressed that the existing brotherly and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye provides ample opportunities to deepen ties across all spheres. He highlighted the importance of continuing mutual exchange of experience in religious education, enlightenment, and personnel training.

The discussion also covered joint projects in multiculturalism, tolerance, countering religious radicalism and extremism, and enhancing scientific and educational cooperation between the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology and the Academy of Religious Affairs Administration of Türkiye.

Rashad Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye, also attended the meeting.

By Tamilla Hasanova