On August 14 this year, at the site of the N.Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, at the online conference «Neighborliness of Cultures in the XXI century of Central Asian countries» was held a meaningful discussion by religious leaders, representatives of Kazakhstani and international research organizations from Central Asian countries
The main purpose of the event is to consolidate the regional efforts of stakeholders in the interfaith sphere and the intercultural sphere, as well as to intensify the fruitful partnership of the Central Asian countries and promoting interreligious dialogue
The conference was attended by Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Y.Nukezhanov, Acting Chairman of the Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Inter-Civilization Dialogue D.Yessenova, Director General of the Center for the Study of Islamic History, Art and Culture at the OIC (IRCICA) Mahmud Erol Kılıç (Turkey), Director General of the Islamic Research Institute and Professor of Shariah and Islamic Law at International Islamic University Muhammad Zia Ul-Haq Mohammed (Pakistan), Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan F.Abduhalikov (Uzbekistan), Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence H.E. Mr. Ali AlAradi (Bahrain), Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Spiritual Board of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Naib Mufti K. Myrzabayev, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research at the Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Samir Budinar (UAE), Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the international organization TURKSOY B. Omarov (Turkey), Advisor of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity Rehab Almansuri (UAE), Adviser to Baku International Multiculturalism Centre Ayten Gahraman (Azerbaijan), Expert of the Department of fata and religious Literature of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan Raphael Tatikov, Chairman of the Uzbek ethno-cultural center of Astana Sherzod Pulatov and others.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Nukezhanov noted that the unity of Central Asia is based on the ethnic, spiritual and historical roots of language and religion. He also noted that the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the article "Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards sustainable development and prosperity" said in this regard that the pillars of Central Asian identity are respect for common historical roots, intercultural dialogue and interfaith harmony.
"Sharing the opinion about the usefulness of diversity of cultures and religions, at the same time I consider it necessary to promote the evolution of the world towards a universal civilization based on universal humanistic principles of peace. In this unity in diversity, we see the dialectic of the development of the Central Asian countries," D.Yessenova, Acting Chairman of the Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, stressed in her opening speech.
In continuation of the conference, the Director General of the Center for the Study of Islamic History, Art and Culture at the OIC (IRCICA) Mahmud Erol Kılıç stressed: «The Central Asian region has been a cradle for the closeness of cultures and inter-cultural junctures, which in turn, are support pillars for multi-cultural linkages outside the region. Experiences of multi-cultural coexistence and dialogue were thus carried forward to world-wide interactions and formed part of the Central Asian contributions to Islamic civilization and world civilization». At the same time, expressed his sincere gratitude for the invitation to the conference and confirmed his continued support for the international events of the Center.
In his speech, His Excellency Mr. Ali Alaradi noted that, «Bahrain deeply believes in the significance of peaceful coexistence, and have demonstrated this commitment multiple times. Peaceful coexistence is not merely the presence of peace; it is the active pursuit of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among diverse cultures and societies.
This pursuit cannot and should not be just a slogan. In a world where differences can lead to misunderstandings and tensions, engaging wholeheartedly in constructive dialogue allows us to find common ground to deepen peoples’ understanding and raise awareness on various issues».
At the same time, the participants noted the strengthening of the positive image of Kazakhstan in Central Asia as a peaceful and stable partner country, and also expressed their intention to further deepen regional cooperation.
In general, during the conference, topical issues of the development of interfaith dialogue, multilateral cooperation in the field of cultural and humanitarian dialogue, including intraregional relations of the participating countries of the event, were discussed.
