During her official visit to the Holy See on October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Recalling that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva noted that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See have developed on a strong foundation of mutual respect and friendship. She highlighted the support provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in restoring several important heritage sites over the years and emphasized that this cooperation would continue in the future.

Cardinal James Harvey expressed gratitude on behalf of the Holy See to the Azerbaijani state and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for implementing such significant restoration projects.

He noted that St. Paul played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of Catholic and Christian communities, adding: “The noble work you are doing is a great opportunity to get to know your country better.” The Cardinal emphasized that a series of events will be held at St. Paul’s Basilica both now and in the future.

Highlighting the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s involvement in the restoration of the façades of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Cardinal Harvey underlined the substantial efforts made to complete this work. Considering the large number of visitors coming to Rome, he stressed that the restoration carried out with Azerbaijan’s support holds exceptional importance for ensuring safety at the site.

Following the meeting, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, visited the Basilica in the Vatican City to review the progress of restoration and construction work carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

On September 11, 2024, within the framework of the “Jubilee Year,” celebrated by the Holy See every 25 years, a document was signed between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to ensure the preservation and restoration of the marble coverings and decorative elements of Saint Paul’s Basilica. The document was signed by former President of the Governorate Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov.

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