FM: Azerbaijan - multiethnic, multiconfessional country PHOTO

On May 26, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received a delegation led by David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az that at the meeting Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan is a multiethnic and multiconfessional country, where representatives of all religions live peacefully. He emphasized that at present Azerbaijan is one of the global centres of intercultural dialogue. The minister said that Azerbaijan has launched a number of globally significant initiatives, in particular, the "Baku Process" at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He added that Azerbaijan has hosted a number of important international events, including the UN Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilisations.

Jeyhun Bayramov said comprehensive attention and care are given in Azerbaijan to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of different peoples and there is an exemplary state/religion relationship. He underlined that Christians in Azerbaijan have an opportunity to preserve their traditions, religious beliefs, and culture, and actively participate in all spheres of socio-cultural life of the country.

David Bednar said he was aware of important initiatives taken by Azerbaijan to promote tolerance, multiculturalism, and inter-religious dialogue. He added that the values of Azerbaijani society in the current period, when discrimination on religious, racial, and ethnic grounds is particularly strong, are extremely important. David Bednar emphasized that the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was interested in cooperation with our country through various programmes of the Church.