Kazakh President Highlights Commitment to Safeguarding Religious Sites Ahead of Astana Congress

Ahead of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to protecting religious sites during a recent special session of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

The president expressed his gratitude to Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, for his dedication to promoting a global humanistic agenda, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“By safeguarding religious sites and symbols, we are, in essence, protecting the foundations of human civilization. Kazakhstan is home to around 4,000 religious associations representing 18 different faiths,” President Tokayev stated.

He underscored the country’s careful preservation of significant holy sites, including the UNESCO-listed Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum, historic and modern mosques, Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals, the Buddhist Center in Almaty, and synagogues.

The president emphasized that Kazakhstan remains committed to maintaining sacred sites important to believers of all faiths, noting that these places unite people across generations and preserve spiritual heritage.

“These sites are not only archaeological and historical monuments but also symbols of peace, mutual respect, and the cultural diversity of our nation,” he added.

Earlier, President Tokayev stressed the importance of fostering interfaith and interethnic tolerance, along with mutual respect, as essential pillars of Kazakh society.