All issues between the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan are addressed in a “friendly manner.” Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze thus commented on the situation surrounding the Church of St. George (Kurmukhi Church), following earlier remarks by the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
“We have no tension whatsoever; we enjoy friendly relations with the government of Azerbaijan. Grounded in this friendship, we can very easily discuss any topic. It is precisely in this spirit, in a friendly manner, that all matters between the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan are considered,” Kobakhidze stated.
As a reminder, the Patriarchate of Georgia previously released a statement regarding repair works at the Church of St. George, also known as the Kurmukhi Church (referred to in Baku as Kurmuk). It is located in the Kurmukhi Gorge near the town of Qakh (Kakhi in Georgian), within the historical region of Hereti/Saingilo in northwestern Azerbaijan. The Georgian Orthodox Church expressed concern that the restoration of this cultural heritage site of the Georgian people was being conducted without coordination with the Georgian side:
“Although the Kurmukhi Church is situated on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan today, it remains an essential monument of the historical and spiritual heritage of our country and church. This development has provoked a sharp reaction and legitimate outrage across our society, adversely affecting good-neighborly relations and the process of strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring states and peoples,” the Patriarchate noted.
This statement drew criticism from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Baku deemed the Georgian Orthodox Church’s statement contrary to the spirit of friendship, partnership, and good-neighborliness between the two countries. The Ministry also described the use of alternative designations for geographical and historical toponyms within the country’s territory as unacceptable:
“Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. The same attitude from the Georgian side toward the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes one of the most vital foundations of the strategic partnership between our countries. This is why the stance of the Patriarchate of Georgia, which contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, is incomprehensible.”
Baku added that religious organizations should refrain from approaches capable of undermining the relations of friendship and good-neighborliness between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia.