Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry Criticized Statements by the Georgian Patriarchate Regarding the Kürmük Temple

The latest statement of the Georgian Patriarchate regarding the Kürmük temple located on the territory of Azerbaijan contradicts the spirit of friendly, partnership, and good-neighborly relations existing between the two countries.

This is stated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

"Presenting geographical and historical toponyms located on the territory of Azerbaijan under different names is unacceptable.

Azerbaijan has always treated the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia with respect. At the same time, the same attitude of the Georgian side towards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan is an important foundation of the strategic partnership relations established between the two countries.

It is precisely from this point of view that the approach of the Georgian Patriarchate towards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, containing territorial claims, is incomprehensible.

It is important that religious organizations refrain from approaches that could damage the historic relations of friendship and good-neighborliness that have developed over centuries between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

In this regard, it is not recommended that the Georgian Patriarchate repeat the well-known approaches of the Armenian Church and follow its example.

All historical, cultural, and religious monuments existing on the territory of Azerbaijan are an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state," the statement notes.