On April 7, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in Kazakhstan with an official visit. In Astana in the Palace of Peace and Accord Ban Ki-moon met with Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.

The following officials participated in the event: Minister of Foreign Affairs Kanat Saudabayev, Kazakhstan Representative in the UN Barganym Aitimova, Deputy Chairmen of Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Eraly Tugzhanov, Yuriy Zaharov, Alexander Dederer, Parliament Deputies from the Assembly, officials from the President Administration, Directors of ethno-cultural organizations, representatives of scientific and cultural communities.

Minister Saudabayev presented the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan to the distinguished guest. He noted the important role the Assembly is playing in Kazakhstan’s OCSE chairmanship this year. Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Alexander Dederer presented a report on Kazakhstan’s model of interethnic tolerance. Other representatives of the Assembly talked about preservation and development of customs and traditions of all ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan, about the importance of learning the state language, keeping the historic memory, and developing patriotic behavior. The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked questions about the role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in the strengthening of interethnic and interconfessional peace and accord.

The Jewish Community of Kazakhstan was represented by President of the Association of Jewish Organizations of Kazakhstan Alexander Baron.

Lyudmila Starodubova