The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has responded to the statement issued by the Patriarchate of Georgia regarding the Kurmukhi Church, located within Azerbaijani territory.

The statement notes that the recent remarks by the Patriarchate of Georgia regarding the Kurmukh Temple, located in the territory of Azerbaijan, is contrary to the spirit of friendship, partnership and good-neighborly relations that exists between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“It is unacceptable to refer to geographical and historical toponyms located in the territory of Azerbaijan by other names. Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. At the same time, the Georgian side’s demonstration of the same respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes an important foundation of the strategic partnership relations established between the two countries. It is precisely in this regard that the approach of the Patriarchate of Georgia, which entails territorial claims concerning the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, is incomprehensible. It is important that religious institutions refrain from approaches that could undermine the historical bonds of friendship and good-neighbourhood that have developed between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia over the centuries. In this regard, repetition of the the known approaches of the Armenian Church or following its path is not recommended. All historical, cultural and religious monuments located in the territory of Azerbaijan constitute an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state”, reads the statement.