Singapore interested in studying Kazakhstan's experience in preserving and promoting interethnic and interreligious harmony

October 25, 2018 Vice-Minister of Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Berik Aryn met with the Ambassador of Singapore to Kazakhstan Zulkifli bin Baharudin.

During the meeting, the sides discussed ways to establish cooperation between the two countries in the field of religion and inter-ethnic harmony, as well as on the development of civil society, youth policy and other areas within the competence of the Ministry.

Aryn acquainted the interlocutor with the main directions of the agency’s activities, in particular with the successful experience of Kazakhstan in ensuring peace and harmony between representatives of various ethnic groups and religions. In this context, Vice-Minister spoke in detail about the initiatives of the Head of state to form a unique model of unity and harmony by creating the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan, as well as the convocation of the Congress of leaders of world and traditional religions, the sixth meeting of which was held recently in Astana.

The Singaporean diplomat, in turn, gave a high assessment of Kazakhstan's domestic policy, which ensures the peaceful and stable development of the multi-ethnic country. Taking into account the similarity of the multinational palette of Singapore and Kazakhstan, the Ambassador expressed interest in studying the experience of Kazakhstan and offered to establish close contacts in order to establish a permanent exchange of experience and information in this area, including through the recently established Honorary Consulate of Singapore in Kazakhstan, designed to further deepen bilateral relations.

Following the meeting, the sides also confirmed their mutual interest in establishing cooperation in such areas as the development of "Halal" industry in the framework of the signed Memorandum between the RAKM and the Singapore center for "Halal Quality", the development and revitalization of volunteering among young people, the involvement of civil society institutions in efforts to ensure sustainable development, and prevention of religious extremism.