Luanda — The Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, Monday here met with the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolita Kirill, with whom he analysed "the basis of friendship ties between the Russian and Angolan peoples".

"I am very happy for the meeting", said the chairperson of the Department of Foreign Ecclesiastic Ties of Moscow Patriarchate, while speaking to journalists at the end of audience with President José Eduardo dos Santos.

"It is very important that the religious institutions contribute to the strengthening of relations among peoples.

Metropolita Kirill stressed that Angola can expect from Russia Orthodox Church the strengthening of friendship relations between the two countries, because his institution "is a huge force in the formation of the Russian State".

"President José Eduardo dos Santos was very cordial and receptive concerning the matters that I raised during our talks", he said.

With 145 million faithful, Russian Orthodox Church is a Christian organisation under the leadership of Moscow Patriarchate, Alexis II.