Dear conference participants!
I cordially salute you, the participants of the international conference being held in Baku by the Advisory Council of the CIS Muslims, and convey my best wishes.
Azerbaijan, as one of the historical and cultural centers of the Muslim world, is a secular and multi-confessional state. Our country, located at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures, has historically been noted for the relations of sincere friendship and cooperation between nations and religions, mutual respect and trust, and high traditions of tolerance. The exceptional role of the Islamic religion in the establishment of such progressive relationship in our society is undeniable. With its universal essence and unifying mission, the Islamic religion, which is an integral part of the Azerbaijani national culture and mentality, has constantly called for peace, tranquility, humanism and solidarity.
The preservation and further development of the historical and cultural heritage and the ethnic and cultural diversity of our country are one of the main directions of our policies. The relations between the state and religion are based on our rich national tradition and governed by modern legal rules. We see this experience as a successful guarantee of the religious policy implemented in the country and regard it as a necessary factor in the current public and political stability, civil solidarity and exemplary tolerance.
Complex public and political developments are unfolding in the present-day globalizing world, such undesirable phenomena as conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds, racial discrimination, religious extremism and Islamophobia are in evidence. In the fight against such phenomena which pose a threat to international security and peace of the people, there is a serious need for calls for peace and harmony on the part of the world's leading religions, for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and for the authoritative messages of religious and spiritual leaders. It is necessary to correctly direct the place and role of religion in public life, particularly in terms of the moral education of young people, to promote the progressive Islamic values at the level of contemporary requirements, and not to allow the use of religion for political ends. All this currently forms the priority of the domestic and foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its relations of cooperation with the democratic people of the world. Our country is successfully working within influential international and regional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
I am pleased to note that the Forum of the CIS Interreligious Council, the Advisory Council of the CIS Muslims, the Supreme Religious Council of the peoples of the Caucasus, in particular the World Summit of Religious Leaders, all held in Baku in recent years, have clearly demonstrated the existing religious stability, the atmosphere of tolerance, freedom of opinion and expression in Azerbaijan to the whole world. The Government of Azerbaijan will continue to support all the efforts that have a positive influence on the dynamic development of the inter-religious dialogue.
I am confident that your current international forum dedicated to the necessary and relevant topic will also be held in the spirit of constructive discussions and contribute to the development of he inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, advocacy and promotion of human values such as tolerance, mutual understanding and friendship.
I wish each one of you every success and good health on this benevolent journey.
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 15 April 2013
