Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry Responds to the Georgian Patriarchate's Statement Regarding Kurmukhi Church

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has responded to the Georgian Patriarchate's statement concerning Kurmukhi Church, declaring that the Patriarchate's recent statements run counter to the spirit of friendship, partnership, and good-neighborly relations existing between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, it is unacceptable to refer to geographical and historical place names located within Azerbaijani territory by other names.

"Azerbaijan has always respected Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Furthermore, the demonstration of similar respect by Georgia for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty serves as a vital foundation for the strategic partnership established between the two countries," the statement notes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan states that, in this context, the approach of the Patriarchate of Georgia—which the ministry views as implying territorial claims regarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty—is incomprehensible.

According to the ministry, it is important for religious institutions to refrain from approaches that could damage the bonds of friendship and good-neighborliness established over centuries between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

"In this regard, repeating the well-known approaches of the Armenian Church or following its path is not recommended," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan declares.

The ministry states that all historical, cultural, and religious monuments located within the territory of Azerbaijan are an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state.