Azerbaijani committee chair speaks at event held on occasion of 20th UN Day of Vesak

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions of Azerbaijan, participated in the opening ceremony of the event held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on the occasion of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, Report informs.

The event featured a video message from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Mammadov spoke about the importance of correctly defining the role of religion in social life and international relations, preventing the use of religion for political purposes, and strengthening cooperation between civilizations.

He noted that complex social and political processes are taking place in the modern world:

"Ethnic and religious conflicts, racism, religious radicalism and xenophobia are on the rise. Against such threats, religious calls for peace and solidarity, and initiatives serving dialogue between civilizations are of great importance."

Drawing attention to Azerbaijan's multiculturalism model, Ramin Mammadov said his country demonstrates a unique approach based on religious diversity and mutual respect.

The chairman noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, tolerance and multiculturalism are deemed as priorities of state policy in the religious sphere in Azerbaijan:

"The Azerbaijani people, who have held freedom of conscience in high esteem throughout history, have enriched their traditions of coexistence with people of different religious beliefs, creating a model of tolerance that can serve as an example to the whole world. In modern times, the promotion of this model on an international scale has become one of the main directions of Azerbaijan's state policy."

Mammadov emphasized that prestigious events such as the traditional World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue, the International Humanitarian Forum, and the Summit of World Religious Leaders held in Baku play an important role in the development of intercultural relations.

The chairman emphasized that Azerbaijan is a committed partner in international efforts on global peace, human rights, and sustainable development.