"The topic we are discussing, as also noted yesterday by the President of Azerbaijan, is related to the country's constitutional traditions, coexistence, and interreligious dialogue. These are values that exist in the essence of Azerbaijani society, in its DNA," Irene Kitsou, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of religious intolerance, said at an event titled "Dialogue of Religions: A Roadmap to a Shared Future," held at the Heydar Aliyev Center as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, APA reports.
Irene Kitsou highly appreciated Azerbaijan's longstanding cooperation with the Council of Europe. She particularly highlighted Azerbaijan's support for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
The Special Representative recalled that, at Azerbaijan's initiative, a group of prominent religious representatives traveled from Baku during Ramadan to participate in an event held in 2022. She emphasized the importance of this initiative for the development of interreligious dialogue and stated that, following her appointment, she attached particular importance to continuing work in this direction.
According to Irene Kitsou, interreligious dialogue is an important component of intercultural dialogue:
"Work in this field began in 2008. Currently, under the leadership of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, work is underway on a new demographic pact for Europe, and the principle of coexistence will also be reflected in this document."
She noted that combating all forms of religious intolerance must involve both legal mechanisms and dialogue:
"The legal and regulatory framework established with the participation of the Council of Europe's 46 member states creates important opportunities in this direction."
The Special Representative emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, Islamophobia, and other forms of religious intolerance within the framework of human rights.
She also touched upon the importance of combating religious intolerance in the digital environment. She stated that legal mechanisms in this field must be complemented by dialogue and that cooperation between member states and international organizations must be strengthened.
Irene Kitsou also noted the importance of cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, national representatives, and religious communities for the development of international dialogue.
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