Kazakhstan and Türkiye Discuss Astana Peace Declaration

Astana is preparing for a new stage of interfaith dialogue. Kazakhstan and Türkiye discussed cooperation within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, with particular attention to the Astana Peace Declaration – 2025, DKNews.kz reports.

The talks were held in Ankara between Yerkebulan Sapiyev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Türkiye, and Safi Arpagush, Head of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs.

Astana Declaration Became a Separate Focus of the Talks

The sides reviewed Kazakhstan–Türkiye cooperation within the platform of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Particular attention was given to the Astana Peace Declaration – 2025, adopted during the 8th Congress in Astana last year and aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue, peace, and international cooperation.

The declaration was later circulated within the United Nations system as a document of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Next Secretariat Meeting to Be Held on October 7

Yerkebulan Sapiyev emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting in Astana and expressed confidence in Safi Arpagush’s participation.

In accordance with decisions of the Congress Secretariat, the 24th Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will take place in Astana on October 7, 2026. The Working Group is scheduled to meet a day earlier, on October 6.

The Secretariat serves as the Congress’s working body and is involved in preparing meetings, agendas, and draft final documents.

Türkiye Supports Deeper Ties Between Religious Organizations

Safi Arpagush highly praised the work of the Congress Secretariat and stressed the importance of further deepening cooperation between the religious organizations of Kazakhstan and Türkiye.

This would allow the two countries to continue engagement not only through major international forums, but also directly between religious institutions.

The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has been held since 2003. The 8th Congress took place in Astana in September 2025, while the 9th Congress is planned for 2028.

The next major point on this agenda will be the 24th Secretariat Meeting in Astana on October 7, where work on the decisions and documents adopted at the previous Congress will continue.