Head of the Kazakhstan Mitropolitan District Meets with Georgian Ambassador N. Laliashvili, Concluding His Diplomatic Service in the Republic of Kazakhstan

June 6, 2025. Astana. A meeting took place at the residence of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nikoloz Laliashvili.

Nikoloz Laliashvili is concluding his diplomatic service in Kazakhstan and has been appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Hungary.

Also present at the meeting was Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev), Dean of the capital’s parishes.

The participants exchanged greetings on the approaching feast of Pentecost. It was noted that the second most important cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church after Svetitskhoveli – Tsminda Sameba – is dedicated to the Life-Giving Trinity.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to Nikoloz Laliashvili for his labors in the Republic aimed at developing and strengthening interethnic dialogue and intercultural cooperation, and wished him success in his new assignment. For his contribution to the development of relations between the diplomatic mission of Georgia and the Mitropolitan District, the Ambassador was awarded a high church distinction – the Order of Venerable Sebastian of Karaganda.

In congratulating the Georgian ambassador on the award, the archpastor noted in particular:

“Since 2022, you have headed the diplomatic mission of Georgia in Kazakhstan, and through your multifaceted activities contributed to the development of political, socio-economic, and cultural relations. You played a role in strengthening the long-standing partnership and friendship between our countries and peoples. I would like to thank you for your constructive cooperation with the Mitropolitan District in the Republic of Kazakhstan and for your personal participation in our spiritual, educational, and cultural initiatives.”

Nikoloz Laliashvili expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Alexander for the award and for his active support of the spiritual life of the Georgian diaspora.

The Head of the Mitropolitan District shared with the diplomat information about the life of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan. His Eminence noted that this year marks an important milestone – 15 years since the canonical and legal status of the Mitropolitan District was officially established. The hierarch emphasized that a priority of the Church’s mission in Kazakhstan has always been – and remains – the strengthening of cooperation among church institutions, state structures, traditional confessions, public associations, and diplomatic missions for the preservation of enduring spiritual and moral values, and the promotion of interfaith peace and interethnic harmony.

Metropolitan Alexander also highlighted the unifying role of the President of the Republic, K.–Zh.K. Tokayev, in developing state–religious and interreligious dialogue in Kazakhstan. He noted the President’s consistent attention to the spiritual and moral well-being of society, especially the younger generation.

The interlocutors discussed the relevance and importance of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It was noted that this forum, which regularly gathers prominent religious, political, and public figures from around the world in the capital of Kazakhstan, continues to serve as a unique platform for the development of interfaith and interethnic dialogue. By mutual agreement, the forum’s work contributes to social cohesion based on moral and spiritual values – a worthy response to the crises, challenges, and destructive trends of the modern age.

Metropolitan Alexander also informed the Ambassador that during his recent meeting with the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, M.S. Ashimbayev, the Speaker emphasized that the planned personal participation of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ in the VIII Congress will promote the further development of global dialogue between religions and cultures.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed the development of pilgrimage by Kazakhstanis to the holy sites of Georgia, as well as other matters of mutual interest.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, both parties exchanged wishes of success in their good works and future endeavors.