Fostering harmony: Azerbaijani ambassador, Jerusalem patriarch explore collaborative efforts

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov, recently held discussions with Patriarch Theophilus III of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church to explore avenues for cooperation between the Azerbaijani diplomatic mission and the religious institution.

The Azerbaijani embassy’s press service released a statement detailing the meeting, Caliber.Az reports.

“Ambassador Mukhtar Mammadov and His Holiness Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, engaged in discussions today. They highlighted the harmonious and respectful coexistence of all religious communities in Azerbaijan and explored prospects for collaborative efforts between the Embassy and the Patriarchate,” the statement noted.

In related developments, Baku hosted the Global Summit of Religious Leaders on November 5-6, ahead of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The event, titled “World Religions for a Green Planet,” was held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and gathered approximately 300 prominent religious leaders, dignitaries from foreign states, UN officials, scientists, and members of international organizations.

The summit, organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, the Caucasus Muslims Department (CMD), the Council of Muslim Elders, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focused on the impact of climate change and the role of religious leaders in raising awareness among policymakers.

The event concluded with the adoption of the Baku Declaration, urging states, organizations, and religious leaders to actively address climate change, promote interfaith dialogue, protect biodiversity, and support the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. Participants expressed hope that the declaration would inspire stronger environmental advocacy from religious communities worldwide, fostering efforts to safeguard the planet for future generations.

By Tamilla Hasanova