The head of state wished the Patriarch continuing good health and gave him a bouquet of flowers.
Vladimir Putin and Aleksei II discussed topical issues concerning interreligious cooperation. The President expressed his concern with regards to the growing ”cartoon scandal“ and called Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia's initiative to hold a meeting in Moscow in July between leaders of various faiths very timely. The head of state considers that the meeting will make an additional contribution to developing the dialogue between peoples and cultures. The Patriarch especially emphasized that the multireligious forum will take place before the summit between G8 leaders.
The President also told Aleksei II the latest news on the tragedy that happened in Basmannyi market in Moscow this morning and emphasized the need to carefully investigate the circumstances in which the tragedy occurred.