Ilgar Mukhtarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Holy See, was awarded the Knights of the Order of Pope Pius IX (Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine Piano) in the Vatican.
The Azerbaijani diplomat received the Papal Order along with the ambassadors of Japan, Spain, Austria, France, and other countries to the Holy See during the ceremony held on this occasion.
The order was presented to Ilgar Mukhtarov by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Deputy to the Secretary of State.
The Order of Pius IX was founded on June 17, 1847, by Pope Pius IX. The grade of Grand Cross is typically awarded to ambassadors to the Holy See of foreign states.
Nihad Budagov
Special correspondent
