Patriarch Kirill: "Bashkortostan - the most favourable place for inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations"

UFA, 6 June 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Galiya Nabieva/. The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Supreme Mufti of Russia held a meeting in Ufa as part of the two-day visit of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill to Bashkortostan metropolia. The Supreme Mufti of Russia Talgat Tajuddin welcomed the Head of the Russian Orthodox Church.

"We have such a wonderful opportunity to meet on the land of Bashkortostan. It is no coincidence that Catherine the Great created a centre of Russian Islam exactly here. It is the most favourable place for inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations. During all these centuries - no conflicts have been here. The best relations have been forming between us", said His Holiness Patriarch.

The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church said that in the Soviet times, in difficult years of perestroika, and currently faiths were unanimous on many issues.

"And most importantly - we protect the unity of our Fatherland, its inter-religious, inter-ethnic peace. And I think that this common activity is a right, good signal to all the people", the Patriarch Kirill said.

He underlined the multinationality of Russia. Representatives of various religious faiths should work jointly to the benefit of the country.

The Patriarch noted a contribution of the Supreme Mufti to keeping interfaith peace.

The Supreme Mufti of Russia Talgat Tajuddin supported the Patriarch’s words about work in good understanding. He spoke about brotherly cooperation and common undertakings with Bashkortostan metropolia.

"Last year, we signed a cooperation agreement. It is a good tradition. Now, in many regions cooperation agreements are concluded between our regional boards and dioceses”, said the Supreme Mufti.

The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov visited the "Lyalya Tulpan" cathedral mosque yesterday.