President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Georgian embassy in Baku on March 27 to express his condolences over the passing of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Georgian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Zurab Pataradze, welcomed the head of state at the diplomatic mission. President Ilham Aliyev signed the book of condolences, expressing his deep sympathy to the people of Georgia.
During a conversation with the ambassador, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II dedicated his life and activities to noble causes and the promotion of interfaith dialogue. The head of state noted that his memory would always be honored in Azerbaijan and highlighted the significant role Ilia II played in strengthening the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Ambassador Zurab Pataradze expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for visiting the embassy to share in the grief of the Georgian people.
Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for over four decades, was a central figure in Georgia's spiritual and social life. His leadership spanned a critical period in the region's history, during which he remained a steadfast advocate for peace and regional stability. The relationship between the religious leadership of Georgia and Azerbaijan has historically served as a foundation for the high-level strategic partnership and cultural exchange between the two neighboring nations.
