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Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a number of meetings on the sidelines of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, currently taking place in Astana.
The President met with Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Kalman Ber, Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel David Yosef, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Malcolm Hoenlein.
Tokayev emphasized that their participation in the congress demonstrates a willingness to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between countries.
“President Tokayev expressed confidence that the leaders of the Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities will continue to actively participate in interfaith dialogue in the name of promoting universal values,” the Akorda press service stated.
Tokayev also met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
He emphasized that religion plays a fundamental role in the modern world, and that spiritual leaders bear special responsibility for maintaining peace and developing interfaith communication.
The President noted that Orthodoxy holds an important place in Kazakhstan’s spiritual life, recognizing its educational, peacebuilding, and social mission.
On the sidelines of the Congress, Tokayev also received Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations.
“President Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan places great importance on cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations – a key platform for promoting understanding and respect among civilizations, cultures, and religions. He highly appreciated the Alliance’s consistent support and efforts in holding the Congress and organizing a special session on protecting religious sites, in cooperation with Kazakhstan,” the Akorda press service reported.
In response, Moratinos praised the reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan and expressed hope that the outcomes of the Congress would contribute to peace, harmony, and interreligious dialogue.
On September 17, Tokayev met with a Chinese delegation participating in the Congress, including Li Guangfu, Chairman of the World Daoist Federation. Jing Bo, Vice Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China. Sun Wei, Deputy Director of the Administrative Department of the State Administration for Religious Affairs of China.
During the meeting, Tokayev praised China’s constructive role and the contribution of President Xi Jinping to global intercivilizational dialogue.
“The President highlighted the contribution of Buddhist and Daoist values to the promotion of peace and harmony. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the relevant government bodies of both countries responsible for religious affairs. Tokayev expressed confidence that this joint work would further strengthen the eternal strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, foster mutual trust, and promote shared values of peace and understanding,” said Akorda.
President Tokayev also received Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Board.
He noted that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan share common views on promoting interfaith dialogue and building trust between peoples and states.
Tokayev expressed confidence that their mutual commitment to religious understanding and cooperation would serve as a strong foundation for long-term partnership.
Tokayev met with Omar Habtour Al-Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the United Arab Emirates.
Photo by Akorda press service
Welcoming the guest, Tokayev expressed gratitude for participating in the VIII Congress in Astana.
The two discussed the spiritual situation in the world and emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue. They noted the value of joint efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and harmony among various religious communities.
