BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 5. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory
letter to the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
"Dear fellow compatriots!
I cordially congratulate you and the entire Christian community
of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Holy Christmas and extend my
most heartfelt wishes to you all.
In Azerbaijan, representatives of different nations and
religions have lived in an atmosphere of national and spiritual
solidarity based on mutual respect and trust, kind friendship and
brotherhood for centuries.
The promotion and encouragement of a culture of coexistence,
moral and ethical norms, multicultural values, along with
principles of tolerance, is one of the key directions of our state
policy.
Today, in Azerbaijan, known for its rich traditions of
tolerance, everyone can express their cultural identity. Regardless
of language, religion, or nationality, comprehensive democratic and
legal conditions have been created for all citizens of our country,
including the Christian community, to preserve and further develop
their ethnic and cultural identity. It is commendable that our
Christian compatriots are closely involved in all areas of our
public, political and cultural life, and spare no effort to
contribute to the development and progress of our common home —
Azerbaijan.
Christmas symbolizes renewal, purity, feelings of compassion and
mercy. On this bright day, I once again congratulate all of you and
wish your families happiness, abundance and blessings.
Happy holiday!" the letter reads.
