On December 11, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Michael Tuchin, President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and Bernie Kaminetsky, AIPAC’s President-elect.
Expressing their gratitude for the warm reception, Michael Tuchin and Bernie Kaminetsky fondly recalled their previous meetings with the President. They praised Azerbaijan as a global example of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, highlighting the peaceful coexistence of various religious and ethnic groups in an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony. They also commended President Aliyev for the policies implemented at the state level to support these ideals.
During their visit to Azerbaijan, they mentioned having traveled to Krasnaya Sloboda in the Guba district. They noted that the settlement's existence and development, along with the unique Jewish museum established there, serve as a model for the world.
Michael Tuchin and Bernie Kaminetsky expressed their appreciation for the favorable conditions provided in Azerbaijan for the Jewish community, enabling them to practice their religion and conduct rituals freely. They also thanked the government for its care and support for Jewish places of worship.
President Ilham Aliyev characterized the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of diverse religious and ethnic groups as a way of life for the Azerbaijani people, emphasizing that this tradition has endured for centuries. He underscored that fostering such harmony is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s state policy, actively supported by the government.
The President also highlighted Azerbaijan's significant contributions to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue on the global stage, adding that Baku has become a key venue for such discussions.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on matters of mutual interest.
