On behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Maulen Ashimbayev took part in the events held as part of the annual ceremony of awarding the Sheikh Zayed Prize "For Human Fraternity", held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
In 2026, the winners of the Prize were Afghan human rights activist in the field of women's and girls' education Zarqa Yaftali, the Palestinian humanitarian organization Taawon, as well as the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. A video message to the laureates of the Award was also sent by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on being awarded the Prize, noting that the progress made by the two countries towards a peace agreement marks a turning point of historic proportions.
«The progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia towards a peace agreement marks a turning point in history. This step demonstrates that even long-standing conflicts can be resolved through dialogue, responsibility and restraint. In an era of growing confrontation and deepening dividing lines, this experience shows that reconciliation is not a manifestation of weakness, but evidence of strength», - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
It was emphasized that Kazakhstan highly appreciates the trust placed in our country, including the decision to hold one of the key stages of the peace talks in Almaty.
«This fact reflects our common conviction that there is no alternative to constructive dialogue as a tool for sustainable development. Kazakhstan consistently supports initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, trust and cooperation in the Eurasian space and beyond», - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
As part of the working visit, the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Maulen Ashimbayev also took part in the round table of the Sheikh Zayed Prize "For Human Fraternity" on the
theme "Promise to Future Generations", which brought together the laureates of the Prize, jury members, representatives of international organizations and youth leaders.
Maulen Ashimbayev's speech was devoted to Kazakhstan's experience in promoting the values of peace and interfaith dialogue. A special emphasis was placed on the activities of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions - an international initiative of our country, which in its philosophy is largely consonant with the ideology of human brotherhood.
«Kazakhstan fully supports initiatives to strengthen human brotherhood and sincerely shares the values of dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. In September last year, Astana hosted the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on the theme "Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future". Its important outcome was the adoption of the Astana Peace Declaration 2025, which included a number of international initiatives to further strengthen interreligious dialogue. Spiritual leaders supported the call of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to form a new global movement for peace. We see great opportunities for fruitful cooperation in the coming period and are ready to actively work with all countries, institutions and people of goodwill to promote universal values and a culture of mutual understanding and cooperation», - Maulen Ashimbayev said.
The prospects for expanding the Kazakh-Emirati strategic partnership and the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation were discussed at the meeting of the Speaker of the Senate with the Chairman of the Federal National Council of the UAE Saqr Al Ghobash. Among the priority issues, the key role of the legislative bodies of the two countries in supporting joint projects was considered. During the conversation, special attention was paid to the expansion of investment cooperation, as well as interaction in the field of digitalization. In addition, the parties noted the coincidence of the approaches of Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates to issues of peace, trust and international stability.
«President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches special importance to the consistent strengthening of relations with the United Arab Emirates. He has repeatedly stressed that the Emirates is our reliable strategic partner. Kazakhstan and the UAE are united by similar approaches to development - the ability to preserve traditions, cultural identity, and combine them with aspiration for the future, innovation and openness to the world», - Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized.
During the working visit, Maulen Ashimbayev also held a number of meetings with the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Mohammed Abdelsalam, the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See Jose Tolentino de Mendonça, as well as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal George Kuvakad. Hirotsugu Terasaki, Vice-President of Soka Gakkai, Japan's largest organization of secular Buddhists, and Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
