BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. Participants of
the 2nd Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Figures on the theme
“Constitutional principles of state-religion relations in
Azerbaijan: Secularism and freedom of conscience” have addressed an
appeal to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.
"We – the religious leaders representing
various faiths in Azerbaijan – would like to convey our deepest
respect to Your Excellency and express our gratitude for the
attention, care, and support you have shown.
The model of state-religion relations, set by the National
Leader Heydar Aliyev, has been further strengthened under your wise
political will, adapting to the challenges of time. It has created
an environment in which representatives of all religions in our
country can freely exercise their faith, guaranteed by law. As a
result of this policy, religious communities carry out their
activities openly and transparently, engaging in close cooperation.
The state's support for the preservation, restoration, and
construction of religious monuments, the social security of
religious leaders, and the comprehensive measures taken in the
areas of religious education and enlightenment contribute to the
preservation of our national and spiritual values and the
upbringing of our younger generation in a patriotic spirit. Under
your leadership, these efforts not only support the activities of
religious communities but also enrich our people’s spiritual life,
contribute to the preservation of our historical and cultural
heritage, and promote the promotion of high moral and patriotic
values.
The achievements of modern Azerbaijan, especially the victory in
the Patriotic War, won under your wise leadership as the Supreme
Commander-in-Chief, and celebrated this year as the fifth
anniversary, have been inscribed in history as a symbol of our
people’s will and unity. Immediately after the war, by calling for
peace, you once again demonstrated the high moral qualities of our
people and their humanitarian and just spirit. You proved once
again that Azerbaijan views this victory as an opportunity for
lasting peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation in the
region.
The restoration and reconstruction efforts in the liberated
lands are proud results of our state's strong will and your
visionary policies. The projects led by the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, under the leadership of First Vice President Mehriban
Aliyeva, to restore historical, cultural, and religious monuments
in Karabakh and East Zangezur, as well as outside the country, are
recognized globally as exemplary initiatives for the preservation
of universal cultural heritage. These projects also show the equal
respect and care our government pays to the historical heritage of
various religious confessions, cultures, and nations, contributing
to strengthening inter-civilizational solidarity and the
development of intercultural dialogue.
In today’s world, where religious and ethnic tensions are
rapidly increasing and conflicts continue to pose a serious threat
to international security, the importance of Azerbaijan's unique
experience of tolerance and multiculturalism has become even more
relevant. Against the disappointing backdrop of growing
Islamophobia, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, racial discrimination, and
religious-cultural contradictions in many countries, where
societies are witnessing polarization, conflict, and mistrust, the
approach in Azerbaijan, which treats all religious and ethnic
communities with respect and attention and fosters mutual
understanding, cooperation, and dialogue among representatives of
different cultures and religions, clearly demonstrates the success
of our model of state-religion relations. Undoubtedly, the
Azerbaijan model is an unparalleled example for the international
community, which seeks to strengthen regional and global peace,
humanism, and inter-civilizational dialogue.
Please be assured that we – the religious leaders of Azerbaijan
– will continue to support the policy you are leading for the
strengthening of national-spiritual unity and the promotion of our
moral and ethical values. We'll be by your side not only with our
prayers but also with our practical actions, continuously enhancing
our efforts for the prosperity of our beloved homeland.
On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you
on your birthday, the fifth anniversary of the glorious victory in
the Patriotic War, the upcoming World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day,
and the New Year. We wish you good health, success in the sacred
work you are doing for the strengthening of our state and the
well-being of our people.
May God protect Azerbaijan and keep its glorious flag always
waving high!
May the Almighty grant success to our country under your
leadership!" the letter reads.
