Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories, received Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Zaid Al-Mahmoud, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Moldova, on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, openness, and shared appreciation for spiritual and humanitarian values. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-institutional dialogue and exploring concrete opportunities for cooperation in the areas of social and philanthropic work, education, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Metropolitan Petru presented the pastoral, missionary, and social work of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting projects carried out by the “Diaconia” Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. He also noted the support provided to Ukrainian refugees, including legal counselling, social assistance, food, shelter, and spiritual care.
Prayers for Peace
His Eminence also expressed deep concern regarding the conflicts in the Middle East and the region, emphasising that the Romanian Orthodox Church continually prays for world peace, mutual understanding among peoples, reconciliation, and respect across cultures, religions, traditions, and languages.
“Every human being is made in the image of God, and the vocation of humanity is peaceful coexistence and solidarity in the face of suffering,” stressed Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Zaid Al-Mahmoud expressed deep admiration for the Metropolis of Bessarabia’s social engagement, the balance and clarity of its public positions in response to Moldovan society’s challenges, and its alignment with European values of human dignity and solidarity.
The Ambassador affirmed the Embassy of Qatar’s openness to developing concrete partnerships with the Metropolis of Bessarabia in areas of shared interest, particularly in supporting vulnerable families, improving access to education, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
This meeting marks an essential step in opening the Metropolis of Bessarabia to international partnerships in the spirit of Christian values, humanity, and service to one’s neighbour. It offers an eloquent example of spiritual diplomacy in a world increasingly eager for peace, stability, and balance, report the representatives of the eparchy.
Source: basilica.ro
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
