Kazakh political scientist Gaziz Abishev commented on the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Kazakhstan, El.kz reports.
According to the expert, the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Kazakhstan in mid-September emphasizes the effectiveness of Kazakhstan's multi-vector tolerant policy.
"In the international arena Astana acts as rationally and exemplary as possible.
Last November, Senate Speaker Ashimbayev, during a visit to the Vatican, conveyed to Francis an invitation to the Seventh Congress of World and Traditional Religions. In April 2022, President Tokayev repeated his invitation during personal negotiations, and the head of the Catholic Church said that he would definitely visit Kazakhstan.
Many underestimate the role of religion in secular tolerant societies. And it is very significant. The political leaders of a country with a significant Catholic electorate listen carefully to the opinion of the Pope, even if they themselves are not true believers. And if they are, even more so. It's the same with other religions," Gaziz Abishev said.
The political scientist notes that Nur-Sultan has become almost the only platform for negotiations between representatives of different faiths, where practical results can be achieved.