Kazakhstan, September 15, 2022, SPA — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, head of the Kingdom’s delegation to the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, stressed the importance of religious leaders in advancing common human values, in addition to the importance of their role in consolidating the principles of moderation and rejection of extremism. This came during the Kingdom’s speech, which he delivered at the conclusion of the Congress meeting, which was held in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, today, in the presence of the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the participation of about 100 delegations from 60 countries from around the world. Al-Sheikh highlighted the Kingdom’s role in supporting joint international efforts in combating terrorism and extremism, and its effective contribution to promoting communication between civilizations, through its lofty Islamic message based on peace, justice, tolerance, and moderation, and promoting the values ​​of coexistence among religions, civilizations, and nations. For his part, the Kazakh President, in his closing speech, cited the ideas and suggestions discussed by the Congress, especially those aimed at strengthening the bonds of confidence and cooperation, pointing to the need for humanity to exploit the energies of peace inherent in religions, and to unify efforts to achieve social and economic development and long-term stability, and the role of religion in achieving equality and overcoming social differences. Pope Francis stressed that pseudo-religious terrorism, extremism, radicalism, and holiness-covered nationalism continue to raise fears and concerns about religion, as this meeting confirms the true and indispensable essence of religions. The Grand Imam of al-Azhar indicated that the message of religions will not achieve its goal, unless they unite and become a force that purifies the religious feeling of grudges and hatred, adding that the way to this lies in directing the religious activity of the different religions towards serving humanity instead of directing it towards fueling the conflict between religions and the religious individuals. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions concluded its seventh session by issuing a final communique that focused on the importance of common human values ​​in the spiritual and social development of humanity, which guarantees peace, security, and stability at the global level, and the importance of preserving the richness of religious and cultural diversity of human civilization, and rejecting the causes of disunity, unrest, and tensions. The participants condemned extremism, radicalism, and terrorist acts, which would undermine world peace and coexistence, and called for dialogue to adopt a sound approach to rapprochement and the dissemination of justice and tolerance, by dedicating the true concepts of religions. -- SPA 21:53 LOCAL TIME 18:53 GMT 0053 www.spa.gov.sa/w1785507