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Azerbaijani president receives Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

25 April 2010 11:22 (UTC +04:00)

â€œWe regard you a big friend of Azerbaijan who has made tremendous contribution to developing the relations between our countries. Your visit is another opportunity to conduct an exchange of views on a wide range of issues.â€
The President touched upon the Azerbaijan-Russia relations, saying they were â€œdynamically developingâ€.
â€œBoth sides consider these relations the strategic onesâ€¦ The relations between our nations are of particular importance, given the centuries-long coexistence of our people, their cooperation and traditionally friendly ties. We are pleased that these traditions are being strengthened, and once again I would like to praise your outstanding contribution in this regard.â€
President Ilham Aliyev presented the Patriarch with the Sharaf order, saying: â€œTaking into account your tremendous contribution to strengthening the dialogue among confessions on a global scale, the Azerbaijani state has conferred a high state order â€“ Sharaf, the order of Honor - upon you. Let me hand it over to you.â€
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia thanked the Azerbaijani leader for the order.
â€œYour Excellency Mr. President, accept my deepest gratitude for the great honor, for giving me the state order of Azerbaijan.â€
â€œI would like, in particular, to praise what your are doing for the people of Azerbaijan and also for peoples of CIS.â€
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church praised the Azerbaijani leader`s role in developing the relations between the two countries.
â€œHere your contribution is invaluable. You are continuing the course of your late father, a big friend of Russia, and today we see the progressive development of these relations. You`ve brought a new dynamics into these relations, and I think that partner and friendly relations between our peoples are of great essence from the point of view of preserving peace both in the Caucasian region and the whole world.â€
â€œI would like to particularly praise your role in interfaith relations. Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country. But, at the same time, it is home to orthodox, Jewish communities. And there have never been inter-religious conflicts in Azerbaijan.â€
The Patriarch presented President Ilham Aliyev with the Russian Orthodox Church`s Order of the â€œGlory and Honorâ€ of first degree, which was conferred to the Azerbaijani leader for his â€œoutstanding contribution to strengthening interfaith peace and understanding in the Republic of Azerbaijanâ€.
The Azerbaijani President thanked the Russian Patriarch for the order.
â€œIt is a great honor for me to receive such a high order, and a double pleasure to receive it personally from you. I assure all citizens of Azerbaijan, representatives of all nations and religions living in our country that I will make every effort to further contribute to strengthening interfaith, inter-confessional dialogue in Azerbaijan.â€

Azerbaijan`s first lady Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva greeted Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The Patriarch said he was pleased to see the Azerbaijani first lady. The Patriarch presented Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva with flowers and a keepsake.

Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev hosted a dinner in honor of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.