In his condolences letter to the Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan expressed deep sadness over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

“We were deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, an outstanding religious figure of our time. His Holiness Ilia II devoted his entire life and efforts to noble deeds for the sake of his people and humanity.

Through his initiatives aimed at establishing peace, security, solidarity, and interfaith understanding and dialogue among peoples in the Caucasus, His Holiness Ilia II became enshrined in the hearts of millions, regardless of their national or religious affiliation, earning deep respect and sympathy.

His Holiness Ilia II made significant contributions to the development and strengthening of the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Sharing the grief of this profound loss, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the entire Georgian people, and the Georgian Orthodox Church, both personally and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan”, - reads the letter.