Pope Francis notes Kazakhstan's contribution to Harmony and Dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi, who this week arrived on an official visit to the Holy See, had the honour of being received by Pope Francis.

During the talks in the Pontifical Library of the Apostolic Palace, the Pontiff noted that Kazakhstan was a reliable partner of the Vatican in Central Asia. The head of the Roman Catholic Church welcomed the political and economic reforms initiated by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev within the framework of building a New Kazakhstan and the upcoming national referendum on amendments to the Constitution.

The parties discussed the agenda of the upcoming VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will be held in September this year in the capital of Kazakhstan. The Pontiff noted with satisfaction Kazakhstan's contribution to the promotion of interfaith harmony and interreligious dialogue.

The historic decision of Pope Francis to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan and participate in the work of the Congress was particularly noted. The Minister said that Catholics not only from Kazakhstan but also from all over Central Asia are looking forward to the Pope's arrival.

On the same day, Tileuberdi held separate bilateral talks with the Secretary of State (Prime Minister) Cardinal Pietro Parolin of the Holy See and Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

The parties discussed the further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Holy See in the field of spiritual harmony and mutual respect.

For his significant contributions to the development of interfaith dialogue and the promotion of the ideas of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, Minister Tileuberdi, on behalf of the Head of State awarded the Order Dostyk (Friendship) of the II degree to Ayuso Guixot.

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