Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated the country's Orthodox Christian community on Christmas. 'I cordially congratulate the entire Christian community of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Holy Christmas and wish you all good health and happiness,' the head of state said in his message.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the President emphasized the longstanding tradition of coexistence among Christians and other religious and ethnic groups in Azerbaijan. He highlighted the nation's commitment to preserving ethnic-cultural diversity and promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue globally as key policy priorities.

Aliyev noted the establishment of democratic and legal statehood principles and progressive state-religion relations in society. He remarked that Azerbaijan is recognized for its multiculturalism, where individuals enjoy equal rights and freedoms regardless of language, religion, and ethnicity. The President acknowledged the active participation of Christian compatriots in the social-political and socio-cultural life of the country, who maintain their traditions while freely performing their religious rituals and fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

President Aliyev also reflected on the significance of Christmas as a symbol of renewal, faith in the future, and kindness among people. He expressed his wishes for the holiday to bring joy, happiness, and blessings to the families of the Orthodox Christian community in Azerbaijan.