Muslim Council of Elders hails Astana’s role in Azerbaijan-Armenia peace efforts

Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders and Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, expressed appreciation for Astana’s supportive role in fostering peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia in a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During the meeting, Tokayev voiced support for key initiatives and projects implemented in Kazakhstan under the Council’s auspices, describing it as a respected and influential institution recognised internationally, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh state media.

He emphasised that promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the humanistic values of Islam aligns closely with Kazakhstan’s political course.

The president welcomed the opening of the Council’s first Central Asian office in Kazakhstan. He also highlighted that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is among the most prestigious international honours, fostering ideals of unity and responsibility, and contributing to global dialogue and cooperation.

Abdelsalam thanked Tokayev for the warm reception and confirmed his intention to continue actively participating in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held in Astana. He praised Kazakhstan’s efforts in facilitating peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, whose leaders were this year recognised as recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Tokayev conveyed greetings to the Council’s president, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University. By presidential decree, Abdelsalam was awarded the first-degree Order of “Dostyk” – Friendship for his significant contributions to interfaith dialogue and the promotion of humanitarian values.

By Jeyhun Aghazada