Sheik-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), stated that the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, organized by Kazakhstan, was held at a high level.

AZERTAC reports that the Sheik-ul-Islam told journalists that the Kazakhstan congresses, a traditional summit of influential religious leaders from around the world, have confirmed their importance in the international arena for over two decades. The exceptional significance of the Astana congresses lies in their role as a continuously active platform for religious leaders, political, and public figures.

Addressing the complexity of the current global situation, the chairman of the CMB stated: "Life is developing in a very difficult phase. There are wars, massacres, and threats of using nuclear weapons in the world. The main goal is to find a way to resolve conflicts between religions and denominations, as well as internal Islamic conflicts. It is also to assess the events taking place in the world today."

Allahshukur Pashazadeh emphasized that representatives from nearly 60 countries, religious leaders, foreign guests, and public figures participated in the conference.

Speaking about his meeting with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Sheik-ul-Islam said: "His Excellency fully supports Azerbaijan and calls President Ilham Aliyev a brother. He proudly stressed that 'we have always supported and continue to support Azerbaijan.'"

The CMB chairman added that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated him on the trilateral declaration signed in Washington. "All Muslims are happy that the Karabakh issue has been resolved," he noted.

Allahshukur Pashazadeh highlighted that Azerbaijan holds great importance in the sphere of inter-religious dialogue, as our country hosts reputable forums on civilizations, inter-religious dialogue, and cooperation. "Important international forums dedicated to multiculturalism and the ideas of Islamic solidarity have been held under the leadership of our wise head of state."

The CMB chairman specifically stressed that Azerbaijan's recognition as a center for dialogue among civilizations and cultures, and a venue for inter-religious cooperation, is a logical result of President Ilham Aliyev's successful state policy. He expressed pride in witnessing this reality at all international platforms held both in the country and abroad. "Events like the traditional forums on dialogue between civilizations and cultures hosted by Baku, the World Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku, and the Summit of Religious Leaders held within COP29, declare to the world Azerbaijan's status as a leading state and a center for spiritual ideas. Azerbaijan will continue and develop this mission."

The Sheik-ul-Islam also touched upon future plans, saying: "Our goal is to have a consultative body of religious leaders represented at the UN, based on the initiative we have put forward for many years. Because those who speak about religion are political figures, whereas religious figures themselves should protect their own rights and have their say."

Allahshukur Pashazadeh also pointed out that the CMB, as the religious center of our country, has a history of fruitful cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which participated in the Astana Congress.

Noting that the next Astana Congress will be held in 2028 and that the secretariat will convene annually before that, the CMB chairman said he is a permanent member of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which has a 23-year history. "Kazakhstan is a state with a special role among Turkic-speaking countries, distinguished by its initiatives to promote dialogue among religions in Central Asia," he emphasized.

It should be noted that Ravan Hasanov, head of the Azerbaijan Multiculturalism Center, also participated in the conference and played an active role in the event's proceedings.