Kazakh President praises Grand Imam's efforts in promoting dialogue

Grand Imam expresses willingness to assist Kazakhstan in empowering youth

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has met the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Presidential Palace in the capital Nur-Sultan. During the meeting, the pair discussed various cooperation opportunities of mutual benefit.  

President Tokayev welcome the Grand Imam to the Republic of Kazakhstan, in what is his second visit to the Central Asian nation. He expressed his nation's appreciation of the Grand Imam's efforts in promoting true Islamic values and dialogue while combatting extremism of all forms. He noted the Grand Imam's efforts in standing up to Islamophobia which was met positively around the world as well as his continued promotion of dialogue between East and West. The Kazakh President also thanked the Muslim Council of Elders for the various projects they have established that promote tolerance and peace. 

For his part, the Grand Imam thanked President Tokayev for the warm hospitality received upon his arrival in the Central Asian state to participate in the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions which will take place on 14 and 15 September 2022 under the theme, ‘The role of leaders of world and traditional religions in the spiritual and social development of mankind in the post-pandemic period’. His Eminence also recognized that the upcoming congress has become a hub for religious leaders to tackle contemporary challenges facing humanity. He also pointed that the Muslim Council of Elders was willing to help empower Kazakh youth by encouraging them to become ambassadors of peace who respect other faiths and beliefs. 

The 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is set to be held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan on 14 - 15 September 2022. The event will be attended by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside 108 other religious and world leaders from 60 different countries.