On August 12, a meeting took place between Metropolitan KIRILL of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department of External Church Relations, and SS Razov, the Russian Federation's Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the Chinese People's Republic in connection with the Ambassador's departure to his destination.
In the course of the conversation, the historical role of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian spiritual missions in China, the growth and strengthening of communications between the two countries was mentioned. Prospects of developing partnerships between the peoples of Russia and China, especially in cultural and spiritual areas, were also discussed. The importance of developing communications between adherents of the traditional religions of Russia and China, as well as the preservation of the historical heritage of Russia's presence in China were stressed. There was an exchange of opinions regarding the Year of Russia in China (2006). The spiritual care of Russian compatriots, permenently or temporarily living in China, was touched on.
Also taking part in the meeting were Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, DECR/MP's secretary for interchurch relations, and D.I. Petrovsky, a DECR/MP associate.