A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Heydar
Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
(ANAS), and the Vatican Apostolic Library and Apostolic Archive,
Azernews reports.

The memorandum was signed by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of
the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Archbishop Giovanni Cesare
Pagazzi, head of the Apostolic Library and Archive.

The purpose of the document is to promote direct cooperation and
experience exchange in the fields of science and research, as well
as to facilitate the study, preservation, and digitization of
documents related to Azerbaijani history held in the Vatican
archives.

Established in 1475, the Vatican Apostolic Library is considered
one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific centers in the
world. Its rich collection includes rare manuscripts, incunabula,
ancient maps, and valuable publications in various languages,
accessible only to specialized researchers. The Vatican Apostolic
Archive, separated from the library in 1612 by order of Pope Paul V
to become an independent institution, preserves centuries of
diplomatic correspondence, papal decrees, administrative records,
and other official documents of the Holy See. The archive is
recognized today as one of the most significant historical sources
for researchers worldwide.