All about politics. — All about general news.

Leaders from various religious groups convened with Toqaev

Tokayev, in Astana, conducts a sequence of talks during the VIII Congress of Religious Leaders from Around the World, according to our news site.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 19 . 9:00 PM

2 min read

Leaders from various religious groups convened with Toqaev

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev Embraces Interfaith Dialogue at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

In a significant display of Kazakhstan's commitment to interfaith dialogue, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of meetings with religious leaders from around the world at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan.

Tokayev began his engagements with a meeting with the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel, Kalman Ber, the Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, David Yosef, and the Executive Vice-President of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein. The discussions focused on the fundamental role of religion in the modern world and the special responsibility of spiritual leaders in preserving peace and developing interreligious communication.

The President also held a meeting with the Chinese delegation participating in the Congress. The delegation included the chairman of the World Federation of Daoism, Li Guangfu, the deputy chairman of the China Buddhist Association, Jing Bo, and the deputy head of the administrative department of the State Administration for Religious Affairs of China, Sun Wei. During the meeting, Tokayev expressed confidence that cooperation between Kazakhstan and China will strengthen their strategic partnership and promote peace and harmony.

On the sidelines of the Congress, Tokayev met with the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Angel Moratinos. The discussions revolved around the importance of cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, a key platform for promoting understanding and respect between civilizations, cultures, and religions.

Tokayev also welcomed al-Darei, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims' Management, and the Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the United Arab Emirates, Omar Habtours al-Darei. The discussions between Tokayev and al-Darei centred around the spiritual situation in the world and the importance of developing interreligious dialogue.

In addition, Tokayev received the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims' Management, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade. The meeting between the two leaders was marked by shared positions on the promotion of interreligious dialogue and strengthening of trust between peoples and states.

Notably, Tokayev also met with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilus III. The discussions between the two leaders were focused on fostering intercivilizational exchanges and strengthening trust between people and societies.

Throughout the Congress, Tokayev emphasized the significance of joint efforts aimed at strengthening understanding and harmony between different denominations. He expressed confidence that the common desire to contribute to interreligious understanding and interaction will be a solid foundation for long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan provided a platform for religious leaders from around the world to come together and discuss ways to promote peace, harmony, and understanding between different faiths and cultures. President Tokayev's meetings with these religious leaders underscored Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening cultural and spiritual ties with other nations.