The President drew attention to the fact that the territory of Kazakhstan has long been a place where different cultures have intertwined and civilizations have merged.

– Almost all the major religions and confessions of the world are widespread in the Kazakh steppe and coexist with each other. We are making every effort to preserve and further develop this noble tradition in modern Kazakhstan. Our country has extensive experience in strengthening interethnic and interreligious harmony. Kazakhstan's model of ethnic and religious tolerance is based on the principle of "Our unity is in diversity." This principle is even reflected in the activities of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which is considered unique in the world. The tolerance, solidarity and broad worldview of our people, formed by history itself, are clearly evident today in the peace-loving, balanced foreign policy of our country. This policy is based on trust, dialogue and cooperation. I am convinced that these universal values and principles are important for all peoples and states, - said the President.

✔️Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that a special session of the UN Alliance of Civilizations on the protection of religious sites was organized within the framework of the Congress yesterday, and expressed gratitude to the High Representative of the Alliance, Miguel Angel Moratinos, for his contribution to promoting the global humanitarian agenda.

– By protecting sacred religious sites and symbols, we are, in fact, preserving the source of human civilization. There are about four thousand religious communities belonging to 18 faiths in Kazakhstan. We protect and support sacred sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yasawi, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as mosques built in ancient and modern times, Orthodox and Catholic churches, the Buddhist Center in Almaty and synagogues such as the Beit Rachel Chabad Lubavitch. The state has taken care of the preservation of all sacred sites that are of special importance to religious communities. The Beket Ata Mosque in Mangystau, the Tamgaly Stone Buddhist petroglyphs on the banks of the Ili River, the grave of Levi-Ishaq Schneerson in Almaty, and Mariamkol in North Kazakhstan, which is especially revered by Catholics, are vivid examples of this. Sacred sites unite people of different beliefs, preserving the continuity of generations and spiritual ties. "That is why for us it is not just an architectural or historical monument, but a symbol of peace, mutual respect, and the cultural diversity of our people," the President said.