Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department, has visited the Gandzasar and Khudavang churches together with representatives of the diplomatic corps.

Operativ Media reports that Hikmet Hajiyev shared this on the social media platform X.

He stated that Gandzasar and Khudavang are an integral part of the ancient Albanian Christian heritage.

Hajiyev noted that the Gandzasar church was built in the 13th century by Hasan-Jalal, the ruler of Caucasian Albania, and is one of the key indicators of Caucasian Albania's centuries-old Christian heritage.

According to him, during the years of occupation, these monuments were subjected to external interference under the guise of "renovation," which damaged their architectural authenticity and original appearance.

“Every historical, cultural, and religious monument located on the territory of Azerbaijan, regardless of its origin and religious affiliation, is an integral part of our country's rich cultural heritage. The Azerbaijani state is committed to their preservation, protection, and restoration,” Hajiyev emphasized.

The presidential assistant also stated that Azerbaijan's experience in preserving multicultural and multi-religious heritage is internationally recognized. He noted that Azerbaijan is ready to share this experience with other countries, including neighboring states.

Hikmet Hajiyev also invited media outlets spreading fake news and misleading information on this matter to visit these areas and familiarize themselves with the situation on the spot.