The more than 60 participants discussed findings and recommendations from a series of seven regional training seminars held across Kyrgyzstan at the roundtable meeting, organised by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the State Commission on Religious Affairs.

"This meeting helped ensure a constructive dialogue among all stakeholders on ways to enable people of all faiths to fully exercise their right to freedom of religion without discrimination," said Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

"The national legislation should encompass international standards and best practices to help all stakeholders engage in an inclusive dialogue on religious affairs. Religious groups, educational establishments and civil society should be part of this dialogue."

Kanybek Osmonaliev, Head of the State Commission on Religious Affairs, added: "The implementation of projects on religion-related matters in co-operation with the OSCE Centre demonstrated the need to increase the competency of all government structures on religious issues. This year, we focused on communities to increase the level of religious tolerance and to support decision-making, as most tensions and potential conflicts related to religion often start at the local level."

Participants also discussed how to establish efficient public-private partnerships in addressing religious extremism.