Fostering interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in Kyrgyzstan focus of OSCE-supported conference in Bishkek
The International Conference on Islam and Orthodox Christianity – religions of peace, supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, took place on 21 November 2019 in Bishkek.
The event was opened by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, and brought together representatives of government agencies, religious leaders, academics and independent experts working on religious issues and the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. Representatives came from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and other countries of Central Asia, as well as embassies and international organizations based in Bishkek.
The aim of the conference was to analyse historical processes and examine the current state of interaction between Islam and Orthodox Christianity. Participants discussed the common spiritual and cultural values of the two religions and their place and role in building peace and harmony.
President Zheenbekov emphasized that the conference served as a uniting platform for discussion and for the development of recommendations on the future interaction between different religions and beliefs, while also taking into account new challenges across the globe. "Religion has a powerful potential to mobilize the masses, therefore, our states are obliged to prevent its use for destructive purposes," said President Zheenbekov.
Speaking of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, which stipulates respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief for all, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek Pierre von Arx recalled the 1999 OSCE Summit. At that time, the Heads of States, including Kyrgyzstan, agreed on a Charter for European Security and committed to countering violations of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.
“Kyrgyzstan’s 2014–2020 State Policy in the sphere of religion is an excellent basis for enhancing the State’s relationship with different confessions, while promoting peace, respectful relations and inter-ethnic harmony,” said von Arx. “The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is proud to be supporting the State Committee for Religious Affairs in developing the next strategic document in this area.”
The conference is a continuation of the first and second international scientific–practical conference "Islam in a modern secular state" that took place in Bishkek in 2017 and 2018, where participants agreed to work on a concept of interfaith dialogue.