Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Chairman of Albania’s Interreligious Collaboration Center, was interviewed by the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).
In his interview, the expert highlighted the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and Albania, as well as Azerbaijan's state-level initiatives aimed at preserving the multicultural values and advancing the intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
- Azerbaijan is recognized globally as a country of tolerance. How would you assess its efforts to preserve and promote multicultural values?
- Azerbaijan today is an undisputed regional leader in Asia and a global actor in promoting multiculturalism and interfaith coexistence. This prominent position is a direct result of the strategic vision of President Ilham Aliyev, who has transformed the country into an influential force in modern cultural diplomacy. In Azerbaijan, the peaceful coexistence of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities is a historical tradition that is not only preserved, but also actively promoted. The state has invested extensively in the restoration of religious monuments, the support of faith communities, the encouragement of intercultural dialogue, and the organization of major global forums dedicated to tolerance. Through these initiatives, Azerbaijan has become an inspiring international model, demonstrating that diversity, dialogue, and peace can serve as bridges between peoples and cultures.
- How would you evaluate Azerbaijan’s state-level initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue?
- Azerbaijan has developed an advanced system for promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue, where one of the key institutions is the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre. Under the leadership of Mr. Ravan Hasanov, the institution has become a center of excellence in cultural diplomacy. Mr. Hasanov has built strategic partnership networks with academic institutions, cultural centers, and international organizations across Asia, Africa, Europe, the United States, and other regions. This broad engagement has positioned Azerbaijan as one of the most active promoters of global dialogue. International events in Baku—widely recognized as the “capital of tolerance”—have turned the city into a meaningful laboratory of peaceful coexistence. Having participated in several of these events, I have witnessed how Azerbaijan is frequently presented as a case study demonstrating that a culture of peace and interfaith harmony can be implemented successfully in practice.
- How would you describe the cooperation with Albania in this area, and what contributions can Azerbaijan offer?
- Albania is a country with a significant strategic role in the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe. It is a full member of NATO, a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, part of the Francophonie, active in Mediterranean initiatives, and a serious candidate for accession to the European Union. Albania is also an active contributor to the Global Coalition Against Terrorism, participating in international missions of peace and security. These elements place Albania in a unique position as a cultural and diplomatic bridge between East and West. Therefore, cooperation with Azerbaijan holds remarkable potential. Currently, bilateral relations are strengthening across multiple dimensions—economic, cultural, political, and security-related. Both countries enjoy excellent relations with the Islamic world, with Euro-Atlantic partners, and with Israel, creating opportunities for joint initiatives in mediation, dialogue, and peacebuilding. In this context, Albania can serve as Azerbaijan’s gateway to Southeastern Europe, while Azerbaijan can be Albania’s gateway to the Caucasus and Central Asia. There is also a strong sense of mutual respect between the two nations, particularly toward the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of modern Azerbaijan. This mutual respect forms the foundation of a strategic partnership that is continuously deepening.
