Secretary general thanks Alexy II for promotion of religions' dialog at UN

10 April 2008, 17:05

Moscow, April 10, Interfax - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has supported the idea of the Russian Orthodox Church to promote dialog of religious leaders at the United Nations Organization.

He expressed his gratitude and admiration of Patriarch Alexy II and other religious leaders for their role in the promotion of human rights and tolerance.

Ban made the statement after the Thursday meeting with the patriarch at the St. Daniil's Monastery in Moscow. The interlocutors discussed ways to enhance the interaction between the UN and the Russian Orthodox Church in the dialog of world religions.

Alexy II voiced hope for further cooperation with the UN and said he was ready "to make a contribution to the UN's successful activity for the benefit of world peace."

Ban affirmed the important role of religious leaders in the spiritual guidance of people.

Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations Metropolitan Kirill said the meeting also focused on ways to form an advisory council of world religions at the UN.

SOURCE: