The recent statement by the Georgian Patriarchate regarding the Kurmuk temple, located in Azerbaijan, contradicts the spirit of friendship, partnership, and good-neighborly relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Operativ Media reports that this was stated in a declaration by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (MFA).

It was noted that presenting geographical and historical toponyms located in Azerbaijan under other names is unacceptable:

"Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. At the same time, the Georgian side exhibiting the same attitude toward Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty constitutes an important basis of the strategic partnership established between the two countries. From this perspective, the Georgian Patriarchate's approach, which contains territorial claims regarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, is incomprehensible."

The statement emphasized that it is important for religious institutions to refrain from approaches that could undermine the historical friendship and good-neighborly relations formed over centuries between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia:

"In this regard, the Georgian Patriarchate is advised against repeating the well-known approaches of the Armenian Church and following its path. All historical, cultural, and religious monuments existing on the territory of Azerbaijan are an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state."