BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 8. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory
letter to Pope Leo XIV, Trend reports.


"Your Holiness,


On the occasion of the Anniversary of your Election as Pope, I
extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to all
your fellow believers, both personally and on behalf of the people
of Azerbaijan.


It is a source of great satisfaction that the relations between
Azerbaijan and the Holy See, based on mutual respect and
understanding, are developing on an upward trajectory and gaining
new substance day by day. These ties serve well-intentioned goals,
such as the promotion of interfaith harmony and cultural diversity
globally, as well as the creation of an environment of mutual trust
between civilizations.


In Azerbaijan, recognized as one of the centers of
multiculturalism worldwide, ethnic and religious diversity is
protected as a national treasure, and equal conditions are created
for all confessions. We take pride in the fact that Azerbaijan is a
place where people belonging to different religions and faiths live
in an atmosphere of kindness and mutual understanding. The laying
of the foundation for a new Catholic church in Baku is yet another
clear example of the interfaith harmony, multiculturalism, and
traditions of tolerance in our country.


I would like to particularly emphasize the fruitful cooperation
that has been established over many years between the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation and the Holy See. The restoration work carried out in
the Vatican with the support of the Foundation, while contributing
to intercultural dialogue and the preservation of religious and
cultural heritage, is also a demonstration of Azerbaijan's
commitment to universal human values.


Your Holiness,


I highly value your contribution to the development of sincere
dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See. I am
confident that our bilateral relations will continue to strengthen
and deepen for the sake of promoting universal values and
inter-civilizational understanding.


On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, a long life,
and continued success in your high and sacred mission," the letter
reads.