Kazakh Leader, Patriarch Kirill Discuss Spiritual Cooperation at Astana Forum

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in Astana, where the Patriarch arrived to participate in the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

President Tokayev highlighted that the meeting marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your presence at the Congress. Your participation is pivotal for the success of this forum. We hold you in the highest respect. Kazakhstan and Russia are strategic partners and allies,” he said.

Patriarch Kirill thanked President Tokayev for the warm welcome and emphasized the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in promoting peace and mutual understanding. “Visiting your blessed country always fills me with positive emotions. Kazakhstan is a friendly nation. Although our states are now separate, our shared history allows us to maintain strong bonds of friendship, mutual support, and cooperation,” he stated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Tokayev awarded Patriarch Kirill the Altyn Qyran Order in recognition of his contributions to strengthening spiritual ties between the two peoples and as a sign of special respect.

Earlier, President Tokayev also met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who arrived in Astana to participate in the congress.