Almaty as capital of Islamic culture to revive its spirituality - Nazarbayev (PHOTO)

Akim (mayor) of Almaty city Akhmetzhan Yessimov read out loud the opening address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to participants of the conference. "It is symbolical that Almaty has attained the status of the capital of Islamic culture in 2015, the year when Kazakhstan celebrates 20 years as the member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). All these years Kazakhstan has been an active participant of strengthening relations with the Muslim countries, building up the platforms of mutual interests. The Capitals of Islamic culture project is set to promote cultural exchange, further develop humanitarian ties and deepen cooperation between the OIC member states. The title of the Capital of Islamic culture will give a new impulse to Almaty city and help it revive Islamic spirituality," the address says. The conference brought together the OIC culture ministers and more than 100 international experts and politicians from 15 countries of the world. Participants are expected to discuss international integration processes, study of history and culture of the Muslim countries and prospects of multilateral cultural cooperation.