As a forum that promotes dialogue between cultures on a global scale, Kazakhstan has become a bridge-building country between the West and the East. Kazakhstan President Tokayev
Christopher Francis – Vatican
Pope Francis arrived at the venue at 10 am local time, 9:30 a.m. Indian Sri Lanka time, on his way to attend a two-day seminar on world major and indigenous religions at the Nur-Sultan Independence Palace. As representatives of various religions gathered, first a minute of prayer was observed by all the representatives. Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, opened the seminar, which was attended by more than 100 delegates from more than fifty countries. The head of state said that it has become a forum that promotes dialogue between cultures on a global scale, and that Kazakhstan has become a country that builds a bridge between the West and the East. The Chief Minister also pointed out that the historical importance of this seminar is increasing. Expressing concern that distrust, conflicts and tensions have returned again among the countries of the world, the head of state of Kazakhstan expressed concern, and in his opening speech, he took up the solution, good will, discussion and cooperation. The Head of Government concluded his speech by highlighting that the country of Kazakhstan always insists that any conflict can be resolved through negotiations. The Reverend then delivered his speech to the religious representatives.
After the speeches of some of the delegates a group photo was taken with all the delegates who participated. After that, some important leaders met the Pope separately and had a few minutes of conversation. Maulen Sagathanuly Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Secretary of the World Council of Major and Indigenous Religions, Al-Azhar Islamic Leader Ahmad Muhammad Almad al-Tayyeb, Kazakhstan Islamic Leader, Israel’s Two Jewish Chief Rabbis, Head of the World Lutheran Federation Delegation Committee, Religions for Peace The Secretary General of the Organization, the Islamic Leader of the Russian Federation, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the representative of the Department of Cultural Relations of the UN Secretary General met the Pope.
Addressing the Independence Hall, Pope Francis then met with various religious leaders before proceeding to the Nur-Sultan Cathedral at 1:00 p.m. local time. After covering the distance of 4.3 kilometers between the Independence House and the Holy See in 15 minutes, the Holy Father reached the Holy See in 1 hour and 15 minutes, had lunch there and took some rest. He also had some time to prepare for the Mass for the people of Kazakhstan.