On 4 June, after staying in Addis Ababa, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, met with Mohamed Idris, the Minister of Peace of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
This ministry is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the relationship between the state and religious communities, as well as coordinating interfaith dialogue.
During the meeting, the two representatives discussed current issues of inter-Christian and interreligious cooperation, as well as the importance of supporting traditional moral institutions. They emphasised that exchanging experiences in this area could benefit both Russia and Ethiopia.
Metropolitan Anthony spoke about the practical aspects of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among representatives of traditional religions in Russia. Mr Idris emphasised the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of Ethiopia in fostering friendship between peoples and in maintaining interreligious peace.
Various cooperation projects were also discussed, including media projects, as well as other matters.
Those also participating in the meeting included the Deputy Minister of Peace, Keiretdin Tezera; the Senior Advisor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ethiopia, A. S. Chesnakov; the Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations for Inter-Christian Relations, Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov); and the Assistant to the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Priest Alexander Yershov.
