Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

A conference entitled “Multiculturalism and Inter-Religious Tolerance: The Experience of Azerbaijan and its Significance for Europe” opened in Finland.

Organized by the Azerbaijani embassy in this country together with the Caucasian Muslim Boards and the Aleksanteri Institute of the University of Helsinki, the conference saw a delegation of high-ranking dignitaries from Azerbaijan discussing their experience of multiculturalism and inter-religious tolerance in the country.

The delegation led by State Adviser on Inter-ethnic, Multicultural and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kamal Abdullayev, included Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of the Caucasian Muslim Boards Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Archbishop of the Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexander Ishein, Ordinary of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Roman Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Vladimir Fekete, Leader of the Mountain Jews Religious Community Milix Yevdayev, Member of Azerbaijani Parliament Javanshir Pashazade and the executive director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Azad Mammadov, Azertac reported.

The speakers noted that in the complicated geopolitical situation and escalating sectarian conflicts, Azerbaijan stands as a rather unique case as it witnesses a great consensus on the idea of a civic nation, which is shared by the political leadership, religious representatives, and civil society at large.

The delegation representatives shared their experience of multiculturalism and inter-religious tolerance in the country.

They highlighted the government’s efforts in establishing a nurturing environment conducive to tolerance, mutual understanding, and dialogue between cultures, and they shared their personal experiences on solidarity and friendship among all religious confessions in Azerbaijan.

The panelists also praised the role of President Ilham Aliyev, who implemented multiculturalism as a state policy as well as a way of life, thus ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups feel at home in Azerbaijan.

During the visit to Finland, the Azerbaijani delegation also met Zabrina Holmström, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Culture and Secretary-General of the Finnish National Commission for UNESCO Zabrina Holmström.

Holmström expressed hope that this meeting will be fruitful for both countries. The Counsellor also shared her views about policy of Finland in the field of culture.

Kamal Abdulla, in turn, highlighted what the Azerbaijani government has been doing to preserve and promote multiculturalism globally. He said that Azerbaijan`s model of multiculturalism is now studied by a number of countries.

Mubariz Gurbanli, for his part, informed about the State Committee`s activity and said that Azerbaijan has developed an exemplary model of multiculturalism, adding the country pays special attention to preservation and further development of historical and cultural heritage.

Allahshukur Pashazade highlighted living in peace and stability of representatives of various confessions in the country, adding various peoples of the region have historically enjoyed good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation based on the robust tolerance traditions, mutual respect and trust.

“Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Jews and members of other religious communities co-exist in unique friendship, brotherhood conditions in Azerbaijan and enjoy state care and attention.” “This is a rare example of religious harmony.”

He hailed the declaration of 2016 as a year of multiculturalism and 2017 as a year of Islamic solidarity in Azerbaijan, saying that all these initiatives are increasing Azerbaijan`s international image.

Holmström was presented various books highlighting Azerbaijan`s multicultural and tolerant culture.

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