He welcomed the participants of the forum.
“It is a big honor for us to host the 7th UNAOC Global Forum and it is a sign of appreciation of our activity,” the president said.
The head of state noted that the UNAOC was established on the initiative of Turkey and Spain.
“Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of different cultures and religions. Religions and cultures have developed in Azerbaijan for centuries,” President Aliyev said.
He noted that Azerbaijan has always been a tolerant and multicultural country, therefore all ethnic groups and religions co-exist here.
“This is our wealth, we are proud of our history. For centuries, representatives of religions and cultures lived in Azerbaijan. The most ancient churches, Albanian churches are located in Azerbaijan, as well as one of the first mosques in Shamakhi. We have restored synagogues. Azerbaijan has preserved this wealth over the centuries,” the president added.
“This is our wealth, we are proud of our history. For centuries, representatives of religions and cultures lived in Azerbaijan. "Also, one of the oldest churches in the Caucasus, the ancient church of ancient state Caucasian Albania is also situated in Azerbaijan, as well as one of the first mosques in Shamakhi,” the president added.
He said that the Azerbaijani government continues renovation of synagogues.
Ilham Aliyev went on to add that Azerbaijan is relatively young as an independent country, only 25 years old, but it is ancient, with deep historical and cultural roots.
“Multiculturalism for us is a state policy,” said the president. “We organize different events, addressing this important issue.”
Unfortunately, there are some problems in the former Soviet Union and Europe, he said.
The head of state noted that the Baku process was initiated in 2008.
“Azerbaijan is only country, which brought together the members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and European countries in 2008,” said the president. “The Baku process is expanding and becoming a global initiative that serves peace and intercultural dialogue.”
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