Patriarch Kirill and President Aliyev Discuss Strong Russia-Azerbaijan Ties

mospat.ru

DECR & OCP News Service – 05/05/2025

Moscow- Russia: His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ met with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Baku on May 3, 2025, to discuss the robust relationship between their nations and the role of the Orthodox community in Azerbaijan. The meeting, also attended by Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and Bishop Alexy of Baku and Azerbaijan, highlighted the mutual respect and growing cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan.   

President Aliyev warmly welcomed Patriarch Kirill, emphasizing the stability and strength of the relationship between their peoples, despite global changes. He acknowledged the active role of the Orthodox Christian community in Azerbaijan’s development, stressing the importance of inter-confessional and inter-ethnic harmony for the nation’s progress. “The inter-confessional and inter-ethnic peace, concord and mutual support reign in Azerbaijan,” he stated, highlighting the Orthodox community’s contribution to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

Patriarch Kirill reciprocated the warm sentiments, sharing his extensive experience visiting countries worldwide and noting the unique comfort he feels in Azerbaijan. He attributed this to the genuine friendship and warmth he perceives from President Aliyev and First Vice President Aliyeva. He also conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed warm feelings towards President Aliyev and extended an invitation to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War Two. “He spoke very warmly of you and said some good and proper words,” Patriarch Kirill shared.

The leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest, focusing on the positive trajectory of Russia-Azerbaijan relations. At the conclusion of the meeting, Patriarch Kirill presented the Order of St. Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, 1st class, to First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, recognizing her contribution to upholding traditional values in Azerbaijani society. She expressed her gratitude for the high honor. The meeting reinforced the strong ties between Russia and Azerbaijan and underscored the importance of interfaith harmony in promoting national development.

Source:

OCP News Service