Kazakhstan, Russia eye religious cooperation

In his opening remarks Minister Idrissov noted "Kazakhstan is a home for more than one hundred ethnic groups and dozens religious confessions that enjoy peace and accord."

The Kazakh Foreign Minister also especially pointed out the constructive relations between the government agencies and the leaders of the religious communities in Kazakhstan. "Our government is an avid supporter of the religious revival; it goes to great lengths to restore and construct new mosques, churches and preaching houses across the country," he added.

Y. Idrissov told the Russian guest the number of Orthodox churches in Kazakhstan had increased fourfold over the years of its independence. "New Orthodox churches are built and joint social projects to help vulnerable layers of the society are implemented with the help of the government," he added.

'We strongly believe that inter-faith accord is one of the pillars of the civil peace and nationwide consent in the country," the Kazakh Foreign Minister stressed. "The activities of the Russian Orthodox Church resonate with the goals of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana in which you have participated." Speaking of the congress, Minister Idrissov also mentioned the creation of the Council of Religious Leaders.

In the course of the meeting, the sides debated the problems of further interaction with reps of the world and traditional religions, religious education and gave consideration to the dialogue between various confessions.