Darkhan Kaletayev discussed issues of interfaith dialogue with spiritual representatives of Vatican and Russia

Minister of Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Kaletayev held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the VI Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, in particular with the Honorary Chairman of the Pontifical Council for the interpretation of legislative texts Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk.

Darkhan Kaletayev emphasized the special role of the Holy See in the development of the inter-religious forum and, taking this opportunity, congratulated Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio on the well-deserved award - the Astana International Prize for his contribution to inter-religious dialogue, which was presented to the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on October 10 in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio thanked for the warm welcome in the capital of Kazakhstan and emphasized the uniqueness of the Astana Interfaith Summit, where representatives of different religions conduct dialogue and promote ideas of peace, harmony, and tolerance.

During the meeting of the Minister with Mufti Ravil Gainutdin, an exchange of views on issues of state-confessional relations took place.

Gainutdin praised the ongoing Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev. During the conversation, the parties expressed satisfaction with the existing distinctive ties and contacts of the Council of Muftis of Russia and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan. Agreements were reached on the implementation of joint educational programs and projects for the training of imams and teachers of Islamic universities.

In the framework of the meeting with Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, some aspects of the church-state dialogue in Kazakhstan and Russia were discussed.

Metropolitan Hilarion noted that the initiative of Kazakhstan to organize an inter-confessional forum for multilateral dialogue and collective decision-making has been universally recognized and widely supported by members of the international community and has become a timely response to the challenges of our time.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the development of the existing good and constructive relations.