29 September 2006
During of an official visit to the USA, Kazakhstan's president Nursultan Nazarbayev has met world Jewish leaders.
"We are here in order to show our respect for President Nazarbayev and his leadership. Over 100 nationalities and religious groups live in Kazakhstan. The congress of leaders of the world and traditional religions took place in Astana recently. This is an example of how religious communities should co-exist," Rabbi Arthur Schneier told a news briefing.
"The acid test for a democracy is how people treat one another, especially minorities. Kazakhstan is an example of how a minority and a majority can live together in harmony and peace. I highly rate the model created by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. I believe this should be an example for many countries. We believe that many countries in various parts of the world should follow the Kazakh model," the chairman of the Policy Council of the World Jewish Congress, Israel Singer, said.
