Azerbaijan Institute of Theology expands its relations

Jeyhun Mammadov, Rector of Azerbaijan Institute of Theology met with Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Russia mufties Council, Chairman of Religious Board of Muslims of European part of Russia, as part of his visit to the Russian Federation. Damir Muhetdinov, Rector of Moscow Islamic Institute; Daniyar Abdrahmanov, Rector of Bulgarian Islamic Academy and Safa Karimov, representative of the Perm mufties Council, member of the Union of Journalists of the Russian Federation, attended the meeting.

Welcoming the guest, sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Russia mufties Council, Chairman of Religious Board of Muslims of European part of Russia, said he supports the establishment of bilateral relations as well as the academic and educational cooperation. He expressed his satisfaction with the development of academic relations and friendly relations between two countries. Ravil Gaynutdin spoke highly of the AIT's organization of the presentation of the book History of Islam in Russia by Damir Muhetdinov, Rector of the Moscow Islamic Institute.

Mufti Gaynutdin emphasized the high level of struggle against extremism and radicalism ideologies as a result of the successful state-religion attitude developed by President Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan. He noted that people should work together to preserve peace and stability and protect the youth from extremism and terrorism ideas.

Rector Jeyhun Mammadov expressed his gratitutde for the meeting and emphasized that state-religion relations formed by Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan are being successfully developed by President Ilham Aliyev. The Rector gave detailed information about the activities of Azerbaijan Institute of Theology. He stressed that the Institute prepares specialists in two directions, Islamic scholars who will work as religious figures and imams in mosques and specialists working with governmental bodies.

AIT rector further noted that along with religious subjects, sociology, psychology, philosophy, logic and other secular subjects are also taught in the Institute. At present, the language of instruction is Azerbaijani, however, the Institute plans to open groups in English, Russian and Arabic languages.

The parties exchanged views on mutual academic cooperation, long-term cooperation, the application of achievements gained in educational process and establishment of cultural ties.

At the same time, the dissemination of academic knowledge, experience, research, knowledge on the organization of educational process, research programs, joint projects and other issues were discussed at the meeting.

The parties also discussed the possibility of bilateral agreement with Bulgarian Islamic Academy in the future.