The message reads, in part:
“Holding such a meeting involving authoritative religious and public figures, representatives of government agencies and scientific and expert communities of Russia and Kyrgyzstan is a very important and timely initiative.
Islam and Christianity, like other world religions, are based on fundamental humane values of lasting importance – on mercy and love for one’s neighbour, on justice and respect for the individual. Therefore, the joint efforts of religious organisations and their constructive interaction with state and public agencies seem to be indispensable conditions for strengthening civil peace and harmony in our countries, where followers of various faiths have lived for centuries.
It is very important to preserve our positive historical experience, to conserve and transmit to our descendants a unique heritage – the good traditions of friendship, mutual respect and understanding between people of different religions.
I hope that during the conference you will discuss ways of developing inter-confessional and interethnic dialogue and consider the possibilities for increasing the role of religious organisations in protecting and promoting spiritual, moral and family values, and in educating the younger generations.”