Alfa Bird Collins, a member of the Hertsmere Borough Council in the United Kingdom, and Louise Collins, a representative of St. Michael and All Angels Church, visited Azerbaijan.

During their visit, organized with the support of the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora, the British guests participated in the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in Baku under the theme “Dialogue for a Common Future.” They attended the forum’s opening ceremony and panel sessions on various topics, following discussions on the promotion of intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

The guests also visited several religious sites in Baku, including the Holy Myrrh bearers Cathedral as well as the St. Michael the Archangel and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox churches.

The British guests were informed about Azerbaijan’s historically established multicultural environment, the peaceful coexistence of representatives of different religious communities, the preservation of religious monuments, and efforts to promote interfaith relations in the country. It was noted that Azerbaijan is among the countries where representatives of different religions and cultures live in mutual respect and understanding, with multicultural values playing an important role in public life.

They also visited the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they met with Deputy Chairman Elshad Aliyev. Azerbaijani diaspora activist Agshin Karimov residing in the United Kingdom, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the guests, Deputy Chairman noted that preserving the country’s traditions of multiculturalism and religious tolerance and promoting mutual respect and solidarity among representatives of different religions and cultures under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, are among the key priorities of state policy. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s exemplary model in this field has been highly valued by the international community and plays an important role in the country’s contributions to the advancement of intercultural dialogue.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of further developing humanitarian ties between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, particularly cooperation in intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

The British guests expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s multicultural model, learn about the activities of various religious communities, and explore the country’s traditions of tolerance.

The visit was significant in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, promoting mutual understanding, and raising international awareness of the values of multiculturalism and religious tolerance.