The head of the Metropolitan District spoke at a round table organized by the Moscow Government.

On November 22, 2023, a round table was held in Almaty, organized by the Department of External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow, the Moscow Center for International Cooperation, and the Moscow House of Compatriots.

The event was chaired by I.P. Tkach, Deputy Head of the Department of External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow, and was attended by leaders of regional public associations of compatriots, Cossacks, representatives of the scientific and creative intelligentsia.

The guest of honor at the round table was Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

The Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan was represented by Bishop Veniamin of Talgar, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, and Father Alexander Suvorov, head of the Metropolitan District's public relations department.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan greeted the attendees, stating, "I am pleased to note that in recent years, friendly and business ties between the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, the Government of Moscow, and organizations uniting Russian compatriots in the Republic have been developing and strengthening. Our partnership reflects the strategic course of the governments of the two countries towards deepening joint cooperation. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev, during a meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin held on November 9 this year, said: 'Russia is a strategic partner and ally of Kazakhstan. Based on the immutable values of common history, strong friendship, mutual respect, and trust, we have built interstate relations that are a vivid example of the realization of mutual interests in many areas.'"

He added, "It is gratifying that many cultural and spiritual-enlightenment projects carried out by the Government of Moscow in various cities of Kazakhstan take place with the active participation of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District. Among them, I can mention the successful tours of the male choir of the Sretensky Monastery, conferences and round tables dedicated to the issues of interreligious interaction, combating the challenges of modernity in counteracting extremism and terrorism, and other important and useful activities. The Government of Moscow supports the only Orthodox gymnasium named after St. Sergius of Radonezh in the city of Petropavlovsk, Sunday schools in Almaty, and the main social and charitable organization of the Metropolitan District, the 'Abode of Mercy.' I hope that such fruitful cooperation will receive an additional impetus in the new year."

"Special attention of our compatriots is drawn to church projects. The ecclesiastical leadership of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan strives to create conditions for intellectual development and cultural leisure in the spirit of Orthodox traditions for believers living in both large cities and remote settlements of the Republic. Sunday schools are organized at every church, and spiritual-cultural centers are built at urban cathedrals. The issues of developing spiritual and moral enlightenment, especially among the youth, are acutely felt today in the context of rising radicalism, extremism, and the activation of sectarian activities. To allow children and teenagers from one parish to communicate with peers from other churches, creative festivals and summer camps are organized. Participation in services, interesting contests, competitions, and concert programs make the life of our youth rich and, most importantly, create a correct perception of Orthodoxy as a religion of active good. However, the spiritual-enlightenment and creative potential of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan is far from exhausted. I hope that our meeting will help outline new directions for joint work of the Government of Moscow, organizations of Russian compatriots in Kazakhstan, and the Metropolitan District. Our common noble activity will serve to further develop friendly ties between Kazakhstan and Russia and will make a significant contribution to strengthening interreligious peace and harmony in society," concluded Vladyka Metropolitan.