Nursultan Nazarbayev and Ban Ki-moon discussed issues related to the work of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and considered ways to further strengthen cooperation.
The President of Kazakhstan said the participation of the UN Secretary General in the Congress adds special significance to the event.
“Despite your busy schedule, especially in the light of a troubled period in the economy, politics, interreligious issues and preparation for the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, you have arrived in our country. In addition, you have supported our initiative to close the nuclear test site, which is today celebrated on August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. We believe that with the help of this forum Kazakhstan is making its contribution into the establishment of peace in the world,” he said.
Ban Ki-moon, on his part, thanked Nursultan Nazarbayev for the invitation to take part in such a significant event, which brought together leaders of the world’s religions.
“I would like to pay tribute to your vision and initiative to convene this Congress, which is today more important than ever. You came up with the idea 15 years ago, when the situation was completely different. Today, when the whole world is suffering from religious extremism and terrorism, the voices of religious leaders, calling to confront hatred, should be better heard,” he said.
