First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has arrived in the Vatican City – Holy See for an official visit.
As Report notes, Aliyeva, accompanied by members of her family, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the restored Catacombs of Saint Commodilla, a project carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
She viewed the completed restoration work and expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between Azerbaijani and Vatican institutions in preserving world cultural heritage.
“A bond of friendship and respect”
During the visit, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul.
Recalling that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years, the First Vice-President noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See have consistently developed “on the solid foundation of mutual respect and friendship.”
She emphasized that over the years, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has supported a number of major restoration and cultural preservation projects in the Vatican and reaffirmed her confidence that this fruitful cooperation will continue.
Tour of Basilica and hospital visit
Mehriban Aliyeva also inspected the restoration and construction works carried out at the Basilica of Saint Paul, accompanied by Cardinal Harvey.
Priest Don Lodovico Turrizi and architect Marco Ciriaci briefed the Azerbaijani delegation on the history of the church and the restoration efforts.
Later, the First Vice-President visited Bambino Gesù, Europe’s largest children’s hospital, where she toured the molecular genetics and clinical diagnostics laboratories, observing the hospital’s advanced research infrastructure.
Aliyeva’s visit reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to intercultural dialogue, preservation of universal heritage, and humanitarian cooperation – areas in which the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been an active global contributor.
