Aliyev: Azerbaijan is a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia

The 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, themed “Dialogue for a Common Future,” has opened in Baku. President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of intercultural relations, religious tolerance and social solidarity in his address to participants, AnewZ reported.

Aliyev said the forum had become an important international platform over the years for discussing intercultural relations and other global challenges. Relations between cultures and religions, he said, are among the key issues on the international agenda.

Speaking about Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural identity, Aliyev noted that the country lies between Europe and Asia and has for centuries served as a cultural bridge connecting the two regions. He also said religious and ethnic tolerance are deeply rooted values in Azerbaijani society.

Aliyev said citizens from different ethnic and religious communities enjoy equal constitutional rights, describing social harmony as one of the key factors in the country’s stable development. He underlined the importance of solidarity, mutual respect and the idea of Azerbaijanism, which he said unites diverse communities.

National unity was evident during the most difficult periods in Azerbaijan’s history as an independent state, including the years of Armenian military aggression and occupation, as well as the Second Garabagh War, he said. Representatives of different ethnic groups and religious communities demonstrated unity during those periods, which Aliyev described as a symbol of victory.

The President said Azerbaijan had restored control over territories that had remained under occupation for many years. He said the territories were liberated in accordance with the UN Charter and the right to self-defense, adding that Azerbaijan had “restored its dignity and international law” and implemented the 1993 UN Security Council resolutions itself.

The forum is being held as part of the Baku Process. It aims to make dialogue a practical response to global divisions and promote understanding, cooperation, peace and sustainable development.