On July 26 of 2011, in Kiev, at the residence of Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine, Vladimir was held the meeting of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II and the Patriarch of All Russia, Kirill. At the meeting attended: the Metropolitan of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, Gerasim, Metropolitan of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, Theodor, Metropolitan of Volokamsk, Hilarion and Archpriest Nikolay Balashov.

As the Patriarch of Russia said in the beginning of the meeting, Russian Orthodox Church has no such fraternal relations with other churches as with the Georgian Orthodox Church.

"And this is right, because the inter-state relations are not quite normal. When public relations between the parties are weakened, the relationship between the churches should be strengthened. The Church of Christ calls us to peace. Time goes by and political situation is changing, but neighboring nations live together and the Church continues to live. God grant that our engagement would be served to well-being of our people and the Orthodox Church" - said the Patriarch of All Russia.

At the meeting the Patriarchs also discussed the issues of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Patriarch of Russia said that the Georgian Orthodox Church has a legitimate right to jurisdiction in the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He also noted that in these areas there is some kind of a legislative confusion.

"This legislative confusion harms the spiritual life. Therefore, we have discussed this issue in an open, communal atmosphere and agreed to continue our dialogue, and with the grace of Our Lord, in the future to come to a solution that will help our two churches to establish the life of the Orthodox people and establish the canonical order, and most importantly, help to prevent any schism."- said the Patriarch of All Russia.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II hopes that "frequent meetings will give the correct result. Indeed, politicians come and go, but our people and the church remain. We must do everything to make our relations always remain brotherly and friendly" - His Holiness added. At the same time, he expressed his gratitude to the Patriarch for confirming the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Church on the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He also expressed a desire to meet in the future as well, because he hopes that "we can solve our common problems."

His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II start his visit to Ukraine on July 25.