Azerbaijan to join Bahrain's intrafaith dialogue in February

Azerbaijan will participate in an upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain in February, following an invitation extended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev yesterday on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku.

According to the president’s website, El-Tayeb praised Azerbaijan’s role in fostering regional relationships and its successful approach in promoting Sunni-Shia dialogue. He also highlighted Baku’s record of encouraging harmony among diverse religious groups. Additionally, the cleric thanked Aliyev for his support in organising the Faith Pavilion at COP29.

President Aliyev confirmed that Azerbaijan’s delegation will actively contribute to the dialogue in Bahrain, expressing gratitude to El-Tayeb for his participation in COP29, where the Grand Imam’s presence added significant value. Aliyev also noted the importance of ongoing collaboration between religious leaders, referencing recent meetings and events in Azerbaijan, including last week’s Global Summit of Religious Leaders which was attended by more than 300 leaders and dignitaries.

During their discussions, El-Tayeb congratulated Aliyev on the return of Azerbaijan’s disputed occupied territories, commending his leadership and “magnanimity.” He presented a keepsake to Aliyev as a gesture of appreciation, the president’s official site stated.

Aliyev emphasised Azerbaijan’s commitment to unity within the Islamic world and spoke of the need to overcome divisions. He pointed out that Azerbaijan’s experience in fostering interfaith and intrafaith solidarity, including prayers for unity at the Heydar Aliyev Mosque, could serve as an example for other countries.

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