On February 12, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met in Astana with Mohammed Abdel Salam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Sheikh Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The meeting went beyond formal protocol, focusing on shared values of peace, tolerance, and international cooperation, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role as a platform for global dialogue among cultures and religions.
Support for Humanitarian Initiatives
During the meeting, President Tokayev expressed support for the important initiatives and projects being implemented in Kazakhstan under the auspices of the Muslim Council of Elders, a respected and influential international institution.
The President emphasized that promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the humanistic values of Islam is of great importance. According to him, these principles are fully aligned with Kazakhstan’s political course and long-standing commitment to interreligious harmony.
Tokayev also welcomed the opening of the Council’s first representative office in Central Asia in Kazakhstan, describing it as a significant step that strengthens the country’s regional and international standing.
The Significance of the Human Fraternity Award
President Tokayev noted that the Sheikh Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has become one of the most prestigious international honors promoting the ideals of unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
He underlined the award’s contribution to advancing global dialogue and cooperation at a time when the world faces complex geopolitical challenges.
Kazakhstan as a Platform for Peace
In turn, Mohammed Abdel Salam thanked the President for the warm reception and reaffirmed his intention to continue actively participating in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is regularly held in Astana. The Congress has become an internationally recognized forum for interfaith dialogue.
The Secretary General also highly praised Kazakhstan’s efforts in facilitating peaceful dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This year, the leaders of the two countries were awarded the Sheikh Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, adding symbolic weight to their reconciliation efforts.
Order of Dostyk Awarded
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Tokayev conveyed his greetings to the President of the Muslim Council of Elders, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
By presidential decree, Mohammed Abdel Salam was awarded the Order of Dostyk (Order of Friendship), First Class, in recognition of his significant contribution to interreligious dialogue and the promotion of humanitarian values.
Why This Matters
Amid global uncertainty, Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a bridge between civilizations and religions. By hosting international religious forums and supporting global humanitarian initiatives, the country reinforces its image as a mediator and advocate for peace.
The meeting in Astana underscored that Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is shaped not only by economic and geopolitical interests, but also by a commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and human fraternity.
