Kazakhstan’s National Policy Priorities in the Field of Interfaith and Interethnic Harmony were Presented in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., June 9, 2025 – The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States hosted a meeting with members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

The meeting took place on the first working day of the newly appointed USCIRF Chair, Vicky Hartzler, lending symbolic significance to the dialogue and underscoring the mutual interest in fostering a constructive partnership.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States Yerzhan Ashikbayev briefed the U.S. side on Kazakhstan’s national policy priorities in the field of interfaith and interethnic harmony. He emphasized that respect for religious freedom and cultural diversity is regarded in Kazakhstan as a fundamental pillar of social peace and sustainable development.

In the context of the bilateral agenda, Ambassador Ashikbayev highlighted the existence of established mechanisms for engagement with the United States on religious freedom affairs, as well as successful cooperation with American NGOs.

He also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s role in preserving cultural and ethnic diversity, which calls for a more balanced and objective approach in the preparation of the Commission’s annual reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat underlined the significance of national institutions such as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan as enduring platforms for dialogue and cultural rapprochement. The Ambassador informed participants about preparations for the VIII Congress, scheduled to take place this September in Astana.

USCIRF representatives welcomed Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to uphold religious freedom and expressed interest in continuing pragmatic and constructive cooperation.