President Aliyev expresses condolences to Georgia

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the people of Georgia following the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, calling him “an outstanding religious figure of our time.”

In a letter to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Aliyev praised Ilia II for dedicating his life to peace, solidarity, and interfaith dialogue in the Caucasus, earning the respect of millions across national and religious lines, News.Az reports, citing AZERTAC.

“We were deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, an outstanding religious figure of our time,” Aliyev wrote.

He commended Ilia II for devoting his life to noble deeds for the sake of his people and humanity. “Through his initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, solidarity, and interfaith understanding among peoples in the Caucasus, His Holiness Ilia II became enshrined in the hearts of millions, regardless of their national or religious affiliation, earning deep respect and sympathy,” he noted, adding that Ilia II also made significant contributions to strengthening traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“Sharing in the grief of this profound loss, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the entire Georgian people, and the Georgian Orthodox Church, both personally and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan,” Aliyev concluded.

News.Az