Ministry of Religious Affairs and Civil Society intends to develop cooperation with the OSCE

On February 12, adviser to the Minister of religious Affairs and civil society of Kazakhstan Bakhytzhan Kulekeyev met with the Deputy Head of the OSCE Department of human rights, Jennifer Croft.

The meeting was held as part of a working visit of OSCE representatives to Astana to organize a round table dedicated to promoting security and social cohesion by promoting freedom of religion or belief for all in Central Asia.

The participants of the meeting stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation to effectively counter the challenges and threats of the modern world and strengthen stability in the region.

The parties discussed the results of a special project in the field of religious freedoms implemented in 2017 by the OSCE Office for democratic institutions and human rights in close cooperation with the state bodies of Kazakhstan.

Kulekeyev spoke about the features of the new draft law on religious activities and religious associations, noting that the most significant provisions of the draft law are aimed at excluding the use of religion for destructive purposes and simplifying the activities of officially registered religious associations.

The OSCE representatives thanked for the warm welcome and informative conversation, noting that the upcoming event should serve as an important step for the further development of the existing fruitful cooperation.