The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill expects the visit by the Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia to Moscow to promote the development of Russian-Georgian relations.

"This visit will promote the development of bilateral relations between our countries and peoples," Patriarch Kirill said on Monday while meeting with Ilia II in his residence in the St. Daniel's Monastery in Moscow.

Patriarch Kirill said the Georgian Orthodox Church is a "brotherly and friendly" Church and the Moscow Patriarchate is in "spiritual canonical unity supported by brotherly cooperation and interaction throughout many years of our history".

Patriarch Krill called Ilia II the spiritual leader of the people of Georgia, who did a lot "in the difficult years of development of the Georgian state as an independent state".

"We know your role in the strengthening and regeneration of Orthodox faith in Georgia and we know your peacekeeping role in the preservation of peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation between people of various political views in Georgian society," - Patriarch Kirill said.

Ilia II arrived in Moscow on Sunday. On Monday, he will be given an award from the Foundation for Unity of Orthodox Peoples at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.