Patriarch Kirill: Russian people value feeling of national self-respect
TASHKENT. Sept 29 (Interfax) - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia believes the feeling of national self-respect is very important for a nation.
"Surely, the Russian people really value everything that happens in Russia now. Many say, 'Russia has risen from its knees', it is occupying a worthy place in the international community, can stand up for its viewpoint, it doesn't bully anyone, as they say, but at the same time it doesn't allow anyone to use it as a doormat. And this feeling of national self-respect is very important for a nation," Patriarch Kirill said at a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday.
The feeling of national pride is also growing among the people of Uzbekistan these days, Patriarch Kirill said.
"It seems to me that the same is happening now in Uzbekistan, especially after your election," he said.
Patriarch Kirill also suggested that, back in the Soviet era, the attitude toward religion in Uzbekistan was better than in Russia. "Even if not clearly demonstrated, the attitude toward it was always respectful," he said.