Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 4 / Trend , K.Zarbaliyeva/
On Nov. 6-7, Baku will host an international conference on "Interreligious dialogue: from understanding to mutual cooperation." In this regard, Chairman of the State Committee for Religious Organizations, Hidayat Orujov spoke with Trend in an exclusive interview.
Trend : Mr Orujov, what can you say about the international conference on "Interreligious dialogue: from understanding to mutual cooperation" to be held in Baku on Nov. 6-7.
Hidayat Orujov: After the restoration of Azerbaijan's state independence, in accordance with the concept of state-religion relations by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, favorable conditions were created to strengthen the traditions of tolerance in the country, strengthen inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, and a progressive legal framework was also established in this area. At present Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is successfully continuing this policy. This conference is also held thanks to the head of state's close attention and care to this area. As a result of successful policies, pursued in Azerbaijan, our country has recently become an important space for a number of international events. This conference should be assessed as a continuation of these activities.
The conference is devoted to the 60th anniversary of the chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade and 30th anniversary of his activities as Sheikhulislam. At the conference, the participants will sound congratulations by the heads of some States, other officials, heads of international organizations, celebrities, politicians and clerics, addressed to His Holiness Sheikhulislam.
The international conference will bring together officials from 25 countries, as well as five countries that are subjects of Russia, religious leaders, theologians, representatives from seven international organizations and embassies in Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of religions and confessions in the country.
The conference is of great importance in terms of freedom of religion, informing the world community about the truth on Azerbaijan, the continued strengthening of the traditions of tolerance, in terms of discussions of interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
Q: Which countries are expected to attend the event?
A: The event will be attended by officials of many countries, representatives of international organizations, famous people, religious leaders and theologians. The religious leaders who will participate in an event are Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, Metropolitan of Belarus Filaret, chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia Talgat Tajuddin, chairman of the Council of muftis of Russia Ravil Ganutdin, the mufti of Uzbekistan Osmankhan Alimov, chairman of the interfaith rapprochement of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sheikh Mohammad Tashiri and others.
Q: On what issues will the international conference focus?
A: At the conference, reports will be made by foreign guests, prominent representatives of Azerbaijani intelligentsia, religious leaders, and representatives of the public. The conference participants will be informed about the work carried out in the field of interreligious dialogue and cooperation in Azerbaijan, as well as about the rich history of the country, information on religions that have existed here, the religious and historical monuments of different ages and the measures implemented by the state to restore them. The event will discuss the current processes in the world, the prospects for interreligious dialogue as well as the form of joint cooperation in this field. Azerbaijan is a country with rich traditions of tolerance, under which people of different religious faiths live in harmony and peace. There will also be an exchange of views regarding the regulation of relations between state and religion, experience being in this field.
Q: Will the event exchange views on the existing State-religion relations in Azerbaijan?
A: The conference will provide extensive information about the successful continuation of President Ilham Aliyev's policy, founded by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the preservation of national and spiritual values, restoration of historical and religious monuments, the regulation of relations between the State - Religion and strengthening the traditions of religious tolerance, as well as successive measures undertaken in this direction.
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