The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in Astana welcomed an official delegation from Armenia on May 15, 2025.
The delegation was headed by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, A. R. Simonyan, and the Chairman of the inter-parliamentary friendship group "Kazakhstan – Armenia," Vagarshak Hakobyan. The meeting was attended by the Acting Chairman of the Board of the Center, Marat Kalizhanov, and a representative of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Laura Shirimbayeva.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of developing bilateral relations and strengthening interfaith and interreligious dialogue. Marat Kalizhanov highlighted the International Center's initiatives and stressed Kazakhstan's pivotal position in fostering peace, tolerance, and interreligious understanding, particularly through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. In response, the Armenian representatives commended Kazakhstan's dedication and affirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in this crucial area.
The Museum of Peace and Accord in Astana provided the visiting delegation with a tour of its exhibition halls. The museum tour afforded the guests a special opportunity to view exhibits illustrating Kazakhstan's commitment to tolerance and national unity. Furthermore, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. A. R. Simonyan, proposed a donation of Armenian medals to the museum's collection. The meeting was concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the delegations.
