BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The foreign policy
of the Azerbaijan Republic has taken shape as a consistent and
systematic state strategy that goes beyond bilateral cultural ties
and serves to promote peace and mutual understanding on a global
scale, said Azerbaijani MP Sultan Mammadov at today’s parliamentary
session, Trend's
correspondent reports from the event.


The MP added that the strategy, defined by President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, is aimed at expanding
intercultural dialogue and deepening international cooperation. The
initiatives of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva play an
important role in the implementation of this policy.


The deputy noted that the tangible results of this strategic
approach are clearly evident in a number of recent international
events.


“Of particular significance in this regard is the presentation
of projects jointly implemented with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,
which took place on April 30 in the Vatican. The event featured the
publication “Bridge of Cultures,” which includes projects
implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the Vatican over the
past 15 years, a documentary film, and a triptych carpet
composition created based on the “Heavenly Religions” project.


The first edition of the book was presented to Pope Leo XIV
during a visit to the Vatican by Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in October 2025.


These presentations are seen as a continuation of the
cooperation and trust that have developed between Azerbaijan and
the Holy See, and they make a significant contribution to
interfaith dialogue. The discovery and digitization of manuscripts
on the history of Azerbaijan in the Vatican Apostolic Library and
Archives by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is of great significance,
he noted.


According to Soltan Mammadov, another important event was the
first “Natavan Heritage Excellence Award” ceremony, held on May 4
at the headquarters of the International Council of Muslim Cultural
Heritage Organizations (ICMCO) in Morocco.


“This award, established in 2025 as a major initiative by
Azerbaijan in the field of cultural diplomacy and named in honor of
Khurshidbanu Natavan, serves to promote best practices in the
preservation of tangible cultural heritage.


The “Natavan Heritage Excellence Award” demonstrates
Azerbaijan’s commitment to national values, humanism, and
multiculturalism. Presented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and
ISESCO, this award is both a tribute to Khurshidbanu Natavan and a
contribution to the international promotion of Karabakh’s rich
cultural heritage.


As a result, both the projects implemented in collaboration with
the Vatican and the 'Natavan Heritage Excellence Award' are vivid
examples of Azerbaijan’s consistent policy of promoting peace and
protecting universal values at the international level, as well as
a fitting response to the unfounded accusations recently leveled
against our country,” he said.