Kazakhstan and Muslim World League Strengthen Cooperation on Interfaith Dialogue and Global Security
Astana and MWL strengthen cooperation at interfaith and interreligious dialogue
The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in Kazakhstan and the Muslim World League (MWL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation and promote international security. The agreement was reached on April 15 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The roundtable held during the signing ceremony focused on the crucial role of religious leaders in creating a just and sustainable world, especially in the face of geopolitical instability. Discussions also revolved around the outcomes of the seventh congress and its development goals through 2033.
Senate Chairman and Head of the Congress Secretariat Maulen Ashimbayev underscored the significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiatives on interreligious diplomacy, inter-civilizational dialogue, and global humanitarian support. He highlighted the congress as a vital international platform for promoting interreligious dialogue.
MWL Deputy Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al-Zaid commended Kazakhstan for its efforts in strengthening global interreligious understanding and its unique model of religious diplomacy. He reiterated MWL’s commitment to fostering peace, respect, and tolerance based on universal Islamic values.
Participants emphasized the necessity of enhanced international cooperation between religious leaders and experts to advance spiritual and moral values and cultivate lasting peace. They agreed to collaborate on joint programs and share experiences to achieve these objectives.
Ashimbayev also pointed out the escalating socio-economic and spiritual crises globally, including consumerist attitudes that pose threats to both humanity and the planet. He stressed the importance of adopting new approaches to global dialogue and trust-building in light of these challenges.
The upcoming eighth congress, scheduled for September in Astana, will include a special session on the protection of religious sites, co-organized with the UN Alliance of Civilizations. This event aims to further promote interreligious understanding and cooperation on an international level.
