Caucasus Muslims Office addresses religious figures

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, Sheikh-ul-islam Allahshukur Pashazade received acting head of the Diocese of Baku and Azerbaijan of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk and Circassia on February 16.

During the meeting, Pashazade pointed out the high level of ties between the Caucasus Muslims Office and the Russian Orthodox Church, and noted the merits of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill in this sphere, the Caucasus Muslims Office told Azertac.  

Pashazade highly appreciated the mediation mission of the Patriarch during the 30-year Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, emphasising that the problem did not turn into a religious one as a result of the taken steps.

The chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office asked the guest to convey congratulations to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on the 15th anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal throne.

Pashazade noted that from the very beginning Azerbaijan has strived for a peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and called on the opposite side to do so. Pashazade said that thanks to the unity of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people, ancestral lands were liberated and Azerbaijan’s sovereignty was completely restored, adding that religious leaders should also make efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Caucasus.

Archbishop of Pyatigorsk and Circassia Theophylact said that he was glad to convey the greetings of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Pashazade.

The guest congratulated the Azerbaijani people on an important event – the snap presidential elections held on February 7 and wished success to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who took the oath of office and began to fulfill his duties.

Theophylact expressed confidence that President Aliyev will continue strengthening Azerbaijan and the well-being of all peoples living here.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged the views on other issues of mutual interest.