As part of his official visit to Vatican City, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, held meetings with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

The exchanges once again underscored the solid political dialogue established between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as the continued advancement of a broad cooperation agenda. They also offered an opportunity to share views on interreligious dialogue, peace initiatives in the South Caucasus, the historic progress achieved, and various humanitarian and cultural projects.

During the meetings, both sides expressed appreciation for the increasing momentum in bilateral relations and highlighted, in particular, the contribution of intercultural cooperation projects aimed at safeguarding religious and cultural heritage in the Vatican, carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism, the environment of tolerance ensuring religious freedom for all communities, as well as Azerbaijan’s ongoing commitment to regional peace and reconstruction efforts, were also addressed.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov updated his counterparts on the current state of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, drawing attention to the concrete opportunities that have emerged for lasting peace and development in the region.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani minister also met Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience presided over by the Holy Father, to whom he conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Minister Bayramov additionally reiterated the official invitation extended to the Pontiff to visit Azerbaijan, expressing the hope that such a visit may take place in the near future.

As part of the programme in the Vatican, the minister also visited the Vatican Apostolic Library, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the institutional office of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Holy See.