Ilham Aliyev: religious and ethnic conflicts in today's world are bitter reality

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed a message to the participants of the International Baku conference 'Islamic enlightenment and modernity'.

In a rapidly globalizing world, conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds, such harmful manifestations as religious extremism and Islamophobia, attempts to turn religion into an instrument of doubtful political ambitions are, unfortunately, a bitter reality, he noted."Therefore, the role of religion in society, its consolidating mission in the system of international relations, the need for dialogue between civilizations and religions for the sake of the further fate of humanity are growing especially relevant," the president of Azerbaijan said.Ilham Aliyev considered "it especially encouraging that renowned religious leaders, official representatives of states and governments, prominent scientists, specialists in religious issues and representatives of influential think-tanks have gathered in Azerbaijan, which is turning into one of the centers of tolerance and multiculturalism in the world around such an important issue as Islamic enlightenment and modernity". "Those who see an educational light in Islam must be able to show it to everyone. In this light, the conference along with its scientific importance is also of great social significance," Trend cited the message.A systemic and balanced religious policy is today carried out in Azerbaijan, where different religions have coexisted and formed peacefully and freely for centuries. "Reaching such a harmony raises the international influence of Azerbaijan and conduction of such a representative conference here in Baku is yet another proof of this. I am sure that serious discussions related to a number of global problems on the issue of religion and society, the exemplary experience of Azerbaijan in the sphere of relations between the state and religion, as well as your results, progressive religious education, religious and ethnic tolerance, solidarity and peace will be conducted at today's international forum," Ilham Aliyev said..

In a rapidly globalizing world, conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds, such harmful manifestations as religious extremism and Islamophobia, attempts to turn religion into an instrument of doubtful political ambitions are, unfortunately, a bitter reality, he noted.

"Therefore, the role of religion in society, its consolidating mission in the system of international relations, the need for dialogue between civilizations and religions for the sake of the further fate of humanity are growing especially relevant," the president of Azerbaijan said.

Ilham Aliyev considered "it especially encouraging that renowned religious leaders, official representatives of states and governments, prominent scientists, specialists in religious issues and representatives of influential think-tanks have gathered in Azerbaijan, which is turning into one of the centers of tolerance and multiculturalism in the world around such an important issue as Islamic enlightenment and modernity". "Those who see an educational light in Islam must be able to show it to everyone. In this light, the conference along with its scientific importance is also of great social significance," Trend cited the message.

A systemic and balanced religious policy is today carried out in Azerbaijan, where different religions have coexisted and formed peacefully and freely for centuries. "Reaching such a harmony raises the international influence of Azerbaijan and conduction of such a representative conference here in Baku is yet another proof of this. I am sure that serious discussions related to a number of global problems on the issue of religion and society, the exemplary experience of Azerbaijan in the sphere of relations between the state and religion, as well as your results, progressive religious education, religious and ethnic tolerance, solidarity and peace will be conducted at today's international forum," Ilham Aliyev said.