Chinese religious authorities offer backing for Kazakhstan's endeavors and proposals

Chinese religious authorities offer backing for Kazakhstan's endeavors and proposals

Kazakhstan Hosts Global Interfaith Dialogue Platform, Strengthening Ties with China

The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on September 17–18, 2025. Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, this significant global interfaith forum promises to be a comprehensive gathering of over 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries [1][3][4].

Prominent religious figures, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, will participate, reflecting broad international spiritual engagement [1][3]. The event includes a special UN Alliance of Civilizations session on safeguarding religious sites, highlighting Kazakhstan’s effort to address global challenges like threats to places of worship [1][4].

The agenda emphasizes "Interfaith Dialogue: Solidarity for the Future," with discussions on geopolitical tensions, religious fanaticism, and the role of authentic religion in peace-building [2][4]. The Congress also features a Young Religious Leaders Forum to enhance youth engagement in promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring the sustainability of interfaith dialogue efforts [3][4].

While the explicit references in the search results do not directly detail bilateral activities specifically between Kazakhstan and China within the Congress framework, the inclusion of Taoism among the religions and the broad participation of delegations strongly imply Chinese representation and engagement [1][3]. Kazakhstan’s leadership in holding this Congress serves as a platform promoting interregional cooperation between Eurasian countries, including China, facilitating spiritual diplomacy and broader diplomatic engagement [5].

Strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China will be facilitated by the development of interregional interaction. For instance, Zhejiang Province, China, boasts the largest IT enterprises and generates more than 70% of its tax revenues and almost 70% of its GDP privately [6]. In 2023, Zhejiang's gross domestic product (GDP) was 8.25 trillion yuan ($1.15 trillion) [7].

Maulen Ashimbayev, the chair of the Senate and head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, recently met with Deputy Chair of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Shi Taifeng in China to discuss prospects in trade and economic cooperation [8]. Many cities and regions of Kazakhstan have established sister city relations with Chinese regions, indicating a strong interest in developing close cooperation [9].

Kazakhstan supports China's global initiatives to form a fair and multipolar world [10]. Wang, the Chinese official, noted the importance and mutual benefit of expanding regional partnerships and exchanging experience between the provinces of China and the regions of Kazakhstan [10]. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a recognized platform for promoting interreligious dialogue, and the role of Goodwill Ambassadors and the Forum of Young Religious Leaders in addressing urgent global, environmental, and spiritual problems of humanity through spiritual diplomacy cannot be overstated [11].

In summary, Kazakhstan currently leads a major global interfaith dialogue platform through the upcoming VIII Congress in Astana, with substantial engagement from religious leaders worldwide, including those likely from China. This Congress is a cornerstone in Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to foster interregional cooperation and peaceful coexistence. While direct bilateral details with China in trade and interfaith activities are not explicit in the results, Kazakhstan’s role as host and dialogue promoter inherently supports strengthening ties with China and the wider Eurasian region through spiritual diplomacy and stable, cooperative relations. Trade and economic cooperation proceed in parallel, underpinned by these frameworks of mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement.

References:

1. https://en.tengrinews.kz/politics/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-be-held-in-astana-in-2025-1762688/
2. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
3. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
4. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
5. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
6. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
7. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
8. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
9. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
10. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854
11. https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/8th-congress-of-leaders-of-world-and-traditional-religions-to-take-place-in-astana-in-2025-123854

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