Awqaf Minister, Patriarch Kirill Discuss Confronting Terrorism, Extremism

MOSCOW, (ST)- Minister of Awqaf, Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met on Tuesday and discussed ways to confront terrorism and extremism.

Patriarch Kirill affirmed the Russian people’s support for the Syrian people in the face of terrorism.

The Awqaf Minister, on his part asserted that Syria will continue fighting terrorism and extremism, hailing the Islamic-Christian fraternity of which Syria is distinguished with and proud of and which is currently  being targeted by the takfiris.

 Kirill also expressed hope that opportunities to end the crisis in Syria are opening up.

“It is clear that international terrorism is suffering tremendous losses, and opportunities for the political process that will lead to a lasting settlement in Syria are opening up,” he said

“We do hope that the negotiations held in Astana and Geneva will eventually lead to the restoration of peace and justice,” the patriarch added, according to Itar Tass.

He also thanked the minister for his stance on Syria’s Christian minority. “We know that you personally express solidarity showing compassion for the Christian minorities and pay considerable attention to that part of the Syrian population,” the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said. “We are glad that interfaith peace is preserved in the areas controlled by the Syrian government,” he went on to say.

On Monday, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, said that the new meeting in Astana on the settlement in Syria will be held on March 14-15. Its format and level are discussed by the countries acting as the guarantors of the cessation of hostilities.

 Hamda Mustafa