Astana:Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, met with Kazakhstan's Vice President Erlan Karin during his visit to attend the 24th session of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Karin extended a warm welcome to Pashazade and conveyed greetings from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Karin commended Pashazade for his active involvement in the Astana Congresses and its Secretariat meetings, acknowledging his role as a key initiator.

Pashazade reciprocated by asking Karin to pass on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's greetings and best wishes to Tokayev. He highlighted the strong relations between the two countries' leaders, which have elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including religious and spiritual domains.

Pashazade congratulated Karin on his new appointment as Kazakhstan's first vice president and expressed hope that Kazakhstan's ongoing reforms would bring prosperity to its people. The discussion also covered the work of the Astana Congress and issues on the Secretariat's agenda, such as religions' roles in climate change and an ethical code for artificial intelligence use.

He emphasized the importance of these topics, referencing the Baku Declaration from the Religious Leaders' Summit at COP29 that also tackled climate change challenges. Additionally, Pashazade briefed Karin on recent events in Baku, including a meeting of Muslim leaders from the Organization of Turkic States and a conference dedicated to Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, praising Kazakhstan's participation.

Pashazade invited Karin to a future summit of religious leaders in Azerbaijan, an invitation Karin accepted. They also exchanged views on bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation. Pashazade offered condolences for Kazakh servicemen who died in a recent military exercise in the Caspian Sea and recalled Kazakhstan's aid following the AZAL plane crash, citing it as an act of brotherly solidarity.

The meeting was also attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kazakhstan Alimirzamin Asgarov and Azerbaijani MP Javanshir Pashazade.