Religious freedom at core of new republic

Kazakhstan has initiated the OSCE forum on inter-religious, inter-ethnic and inter-cultural understanding, the triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions - the third congress, which will be held in Astana in the fall of 2009 - and a foreign minister-level forum entitled "Common World: Progress Through Diversity".

Kazakhstan remains the leader among former Soviet Union republics in advancing religious tolerance and respect for the rights of various religious minorities.

Kazakhstan's president has reaffirmed his commitments given to the world religious community in supporting religious freedom in Kazakhstan.