Religious Delegates Vow To Further Promote Dialogue

From Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad ASTANA (Kazakhstan), June 12 (Bernama) -- Delegates of the V Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on Friday vowed to further promote the dialogue on religion between leaders, politicians, international organisations and civil society. They said the purpose and aims of the dialogue was to ensure stability, safety, and the prevention and settlement of conflicts. The delegates also declared their intention to give consent and creative cooperation for the sake of a better future for mankind. This commitment was contained in their declaration issued at the end of the congress. They also condemned the manifestation of all types of intolerance, including religious intolerance and radicalism, which caused sufferings to civilians. The delegates also recognised the high role of congress and a contribution of Kazakhstan in advancing interreligious, intercivilisation dialogue for the sake of the achievement of peace, justice and safety. President Nursultan Nazarbayev in his closing remarks said that the congress demonstrated general interest of all parties in cooperating for the sake of stability and security throughout the global community. "It is one more step towards each other, understanding of the critical importance of peace and harmony among religions, nations and states. The frank dialogue on the interaction of religions and their role in global development is continued. "A deep common interest in cooperation in the name of stability and security in the world community has been demonstrated. This was agreed and adopted in the Declaration of the Congress, reflecting single or similar approaches of all the parties to the vital issues of the existence on earth," he said. Initiated by Nazarbayev, the forum is attended by 80 delegations from 42 countries. Also present were United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and King of Jordan Abdullah II. --BERNAMA