Today in Astana the Third Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions opened.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev made a speech of welcome at the forum.

Opening the work of the Secretariat the Chairman of the Senate of Parliament, Head of the Congress Secretariat Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that today in Astana the religious and public figures of different states are united by one aim - to create a safe and sustainable world.

Also the Chairman noted that "Owing to the policy of President Nursultan Nazarbayev our country managed to form the model of peaceful coexistence of different nationalities and confessions".

Summarizing the results of the general session meetings the Head of Secretariat announced that the next, the Fourth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will take place in 2012 in Astana.

At the same time K. Tokayev noted that the final determination of exact date of the forum holding will be entrusted to the members of the Congress Secretariat which session is planned for the autumn this year.

Press Service of the Senate of Parliament