Russia, Moscow 03 February / correspondent. Trend R. Agayev / "Peace, harmony and stability in the world largely depend on building relations between Christians and Muslims. In this sense the experience of the ROC with the Muslims, including Muslims from the Caucasus, which you so wonderfully represent and the Muslims of Azerbaijan, is unique ", said the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kiril to the Chairman of Caucasian Muslims sheyhulislam Allahshyukyura Pashazade, during the meeting in Patriarch's Moscow residence.
Pashazadeh conveyed greetings on behalf of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Muslims of Caucasus.
Sheyhulislam expressed hope for positive future meetings with the Patriarch, and invited him to visit Azerbaijan. "I am confident that in future we will work together for the benefit of our people for the benefit of both countries, the benefit of believers", - said A. Pashazadeh.
In his turn, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu also conveyed congratulations and warmest wishes for the Patriarch, on behalf of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. "We, the diplomats are pleased that you were in the ROC for external relations, with a new relationship, so we will work easy with you and address issues, including organization and conduct of the planned large conference in Baku on interreligious dialogue and cooperation" - said the Ambassador.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kiril thanked the Sheikh for the visit and congratulations from the President of Azerbaijan.He called his election to the patriarchal throne a significant event, much of it touches the heart. "My election to the patriarchal ministry - it is an expression of episcopate's trust , the clergy, faithful people. I thank God for having a very large part of Russian society, and not only Russia, but also people who live in the countries of CIS and Baltic States, who have supported me during this difficult time and expressed their satisfaction with my election ", - noted Kiril. Patriarch warmly thanked the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his message and recalled that he had the opportunity to meet with him twice. "First time in Baku, where he was not the president yet, when we visited the hospitable house of his deceased parents, along with you, dear brother, and to us during the meal, joined by the current president of Azerbaijan. A second time I had the opportunity to meet with him because of your mediation in Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II. We had a short but very good talk ", - the Patriarch said, referring to Sheikh.
"The fact that you have come to tell me words of welcome are a good sign that we will continue to go through the way of which we went with the late saint Patriarch Alexy II.
As you know, I accompanied His Holiness Patriarch on that way as well, so relations between the Orthodox and Muslims - is a topic which I was engaged in, that is, professionally, with his colleagues. But the word "professionally" does not quite reflect my attitude towards this issue ", - said Kiril.
"I know how close to the heart President of Azerbaijan takes the theme of interreligious dialogue. I really appreciated his initiative and the fact that he personally supported the Muslims of Azerbaijan in their desire to build harmony, good relations with other religions, including and perhaps especially with the Orthodox ", - said Kirill.
He also praised the work of the Orthodox diocese in Azerbaijan.
"I would like to thank you and the person in the face of Mr Ambassador of Azerbaijan State for its continued good and attentive attitude to the Orthodox people, who live in your blessed country", - said the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.