Prospects for the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Holy See.

At the beginning of the meeting, R. Vasilenko conveyed the wishes of the country's leadership for the swift recovery of Pope Francis.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the state and prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Holy See, including in the fields of history, culture, science, and medicine. The progressive strengthening of political dialogue was noted, and the collaboration between the two countries on various international platforms was highly praised.

The importance of practically implementing the agreements reached following the visit of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Vatican in January 2024 was also emphasized. In this regard, the Apostolic Nuncio welcomed the opening of a new Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Holy See in January 2025.

Special attention was given to preparations for the upcoming VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will take place in Astana in September of this year.

Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Holy See were established on October 17, 1992. The Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Kazakhstan was opened on December 16, 2001. There are 117 places of worship of the Roman Catholic Church operating in Kazakhstan, with approximately 120,000 Catholic believers.