Delegation of the Jewish community of Switzerland met with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

On 5 September 2016, the delegation led by Mr. Herbert Winter, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Switzerland, while in a visit to Azerbaijan, was received by Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Expressing his confidence that the visit would enable the delegation to get better acquainted with the country President Ilham Aliyev characterized centuries-long peaceful and friendly co-existence of different religious and ethnic groups as the most valued asset of Azerbaijan, where the Jewish community also plays an active part in the society. President Ilham Aliyev underlined that such values as multiculturalism, peace and religious tolerance are promoted in Azerbaijan, which declared year 2016 as a Year of Multiculturalism. The President emphasized the importance of internal stability in all countries in a world where almost all countries are multiethnic. In this regard, according to the Azerbaijani President, Azerbaijan is one of the best examples. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Jewish community in Azerbaijan has a long history, safeguarding their identity and traditions, and contributing to the development of Azerbaijan.

President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Switzerland Mr. Herbert Winter expressed his certitude that the meeting with the Azerbaijani President would be most memorable part of their visit to Azerbaijan. He said that they pursued the objective of getting knowledge on peaceful co-existence of different cultural, religious and ethnic groups in Azerbaijan. Mr. Winter stressed that Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries, which attach great importance to issues of multiculturalism.  He underlined the importance of their forthcoming meetings with representatives of various religious communities in Azerbaijan. Herbert Winter reminded that they come from a country where the International Committee of the Red Cross was established, and as such they pay due attention to the issues of peace and stability.

While characterizing Azerbaijan as a beautiful country, which made an impressive economic progress, Herbert Winter expressed his satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Azerbaijan.