Azerbaijan has always been and remains a land where there is a place for all peoples and faiths, where they all exist in peace and harmony. The principles of multiculturalism and tolerance are a natural component of the mentality here, not a propaganda tool. Therefore, interethnic and interfaith peace has always prevailed in Azerbaijan.

This was stated by the head of the Albanian-Udi Christian Community of Azerbaijan, Robert Mobili, commenting on the decree signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on January 7, according to which financial support was allocated to religious communities of the country from the President's reserve fund.

Traditionally, President Ilham Aliyev finances religious communities every year. This year, the amount allocated has been increased, which opens up even more opportunities for the Albanian-Udi community, our interlocutor noted.

"As I wrote in my letter of thanks to President Ilham Aliyev, modern Azerbaijan is the leading state in the region not only in terms of economic development and socio-political stability, but also in terms of a high level of religious atmosphere and tolerance, as well as a sensitive attitude to the national and spiritual values of the people.

The financial support of the country from President Ilham Aliyev gives our community the opportunity to expand its activities, to hold international conferences, forums, round tables, and not only in Baku, but also in the regions and abroad. Especially important in this regard is the work related to the Christian heritage of Karabakh, which is claimed by the Armenian side. We hold conferences on Caucasian Albania and the Albanian Christian Church every year. This is our heritage, this is the historical heritage of our country. The Albanian Church has been given the opportunity to be reborn on its canonical territory - on the territory of ancient Caucasian Albania, the legal successor of which is the independent Republic of Azerbaijan," said Mobili.

The head of the community recalled that last year a scientific forum was held in the Vatican dedicated to the topic of Caucasian Albania. On April 10, the 12th International Scientific Conference dedicated to the heritage of Caucasian Albania was held at the Vatican Gregorian Pontifical University of the Holy See. The scientific forum on "Christianity in Azerbaijan: History and Modernity" was organized jointly by the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, the Abbasgulu Aga Bakikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology of ANAS, the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Holy See and the Albanian-Udi Christian Religious Community. The conference was attended by scientists from Azerbaijan, Russia, Italy, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Poland, Georgia, Germany, France, Malta, Canada, the USA and Lithuania.

"It was a landmark event. Of course, the Armenian diaspora made a big fuss about him, but this did not affect the significance of the discussions that took place. This year, again, we plan to hold a similar event in April. Most likely, it will be held in one of the European countries or in Israel.

By the way, last year there was another historic event for our community. On April 19, for the first time in many centuries, representatives of the Albanian Church took part in a ceremony in the Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulchre and brought out the Holy Fire. Our participation in the ceremony and the delivery of the Holy Fire to the country were organized with the support of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel.

The main thing is that there is the support of the state, there is the support of President Ilham Aliyev. This gives us the opportunity to hold not only scientific conferences, but also festive events, including those related to the Christian heritage of Azerbaijan. This is very important for us today, as the Albanian Apostolic Autocephalous Church is at the stage of revival. There are countries that support us, and there are those that do not want our revival. In such circumstances, the support of the state allows us to carry out extensive work to preserve our heritage.

I am especially pleased that the decree of the head of state was signed on the day of Orthodox Christmas. It was a real gift to all of us. On behalf of our Albanian-Udi Christian community, I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev for such a step. This step will help us move further along the path of the revival of our ancient church, which is an integral part of the history of Azerbaijan," Robert Mobili said.