Delegation of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis arrives in Tbilisi to attend funeral of Ilia II

A delegation of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, has arrived in Tbilisi to attend the funeral ceremony of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

The delegation was welcomed at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Georgia Faig Guliyev, embassy staff, Metropolitan Gerasim, Metropolitan of Zugdidi and Tsaishi and Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Georgian Patriarchate, and other officials.

The Azerbaijani delegation includes Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, and Samir Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the visit, the delegation will attend the funeral ceremony of Ilia II and convey the deep sorrow and respect of the Azerbaijani people to the Georgian people.

Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. A period of national mourning has been declared in Georgia over his death.

The farewell ceremony for the Patriarch will be accompanied by a procession from the Holy Trinity Cathedral to Sioni Cathedral.

According to available information, Ilia II will be buried today at 15:00 at Sioni Cathedral.

Khatayi Azizov
Special correspondent