Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Creation of equal conditions for representatives of all religions in Azerbaijan is commendable.

Herbert Winter, President of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities made this remark during the meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Baku on September 5.

The delegation headed by Winter visits the country to get closely familiarized with the peaceful coexistence of various intercultural, ethnic and religious groups in Azerbaijan.

Winter expressed satisfaction with his first visit to Azerbaijan. Emphasizing the traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance that he has witnessed in Azerbaijan, as well as the care and attention toward the Jewish community in the country, he noted that this could be a perfect example for the whole world.

Noting that the Jewish community has been living in peace for centuries with the representatives of various religious confessions in Azerbaijan, Mammadyarov emphasized that the 2016 year was declared “the Year of Multiculturalism” in the country.

Saying that Azerbaijan has close and friendly relationship with both of Switzerland and Israel, Mammadyarov expressed his confidence for the contribution of the Jewish Communities of Switzerland to the further development of these relations.

The sides also exchanged their views on interreligious relations, global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Previously, the delegation was received by President Ilham Aliyev.

Modern Azerbaijan is a perfect worldwide example in terms of religious tolerance, multiculturalism and religious safety.

Being a Muslim majority country, Azerbaijan is a home to a big Jewish community, who is as many other religious centers, including Catholics, Protestants and members of the Russian Orthodox Church, live in safety here.

The country’s north region of Guba is home to Azerbaijan's largest community of Mountain Jews, who live in Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Town).

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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