"The coexistence of representatives of different nations, ethnic groups, and religions in an environment of dialogue and mutual understanding is of particular importance for civil peace and harmony in the country," stated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in his welcoming address to the conference, speaking about societies worldwide.

Damir Mukhetdinov, First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia and Doctor of Theology, delivered a report on promoting intercultural dialogue through the preservation of architectural landmarks and historical memory in Baku:

"The Juma Mosque in Derbent (Dagestan), the historical sites in Bolgar and Bilyar (Republic of Tatarstan), and the Khan Uzbek Mosque in the Republic of Crimea serve as reminders of the pivotal historical periods in the formation of the Islamic ummah on what is now Russian soil. These and other landmarks are key symbols of Russia’s historical multi-religiosity and the diverse composition of its culture. In this sense, they serve as important instruments of interfaith dialogue."

Dr. Mukhetdinov also spoke about the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia's projects, including the reconstruction of the Nizhny Novgorod Fair Mosque, the restoration of the Khan’s Mosque in Kasimov, and the renovation of the Moscow Historical Mosque.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General, addressed institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions faced by Muslims: "These prejudices manifest in stigmatization and unjust racial profiling, fueled by distorted portrayals of Muslims in the media and the rhetoric of political leaders."

On the sidelines of the conference, the First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia met with Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, to discuss this year’s International Muslim Forum in Baku—the first such forum to be held in the South Caucasus region.

At the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Dr. Mukhetdinov presented his new work, "The Renewal Program: Islah wa Tajdid," for the first time. Vice-President of the Academy Govhar Bakhshaliyeva noted that the Russian scholar had introduced a new conceptual approach to the methodological challenges of renewal.

Press Service of the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia