Mehriban Aliyeva meets with Supreme Pontiff Francis

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva met with Supreme Pontiff Francis, during her visit to Vatican, June 2.

Mentioning the developing relations between Azerbaijan and Vatican, Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that this cooperation covers a wider area in the field of preserving cultural heritage. Informing the Supreme Pontiff of significant projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in a number of countries of the world, along with Azerbaijan, the First Lady has underscored significant works done by the Foundation in a number of spheres, including social and humanitarian fields.

Mehriban Aliyeva has also talked about the works done towards improving the social conditions of those that had become refugees and IDPs due to Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan.

Recalling the visit by Pope John Paul II in 2002 to Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva said this visit contributed to the cooperation existing between the two countries, and invited Supreme Pontiff  Ravasi to Azerbaijan.

Accepting the invitation, Supreme Pontiff Francis said he has been informed of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s multilateral activities. He emphasized the personal initiative and role of Mehriban Aliyeva, the head of the Foundation, in the projects implemented by the organization.

Saying that Vatican was interested in extending bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, the Supreme Pontiff underscored Mehriban Aliyeva’s activities in this direction. He appreciated the restoration of Roman catacombs with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Mehriban Aliyeva said implementation of such projects will continue further.

Then souvenirs were mutually presented.