The President said he attached great significance to a dialog with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, as it had parishes and churches in different parts of the world. For his part, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York Laurus stressed that it was important for the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad to serve Russia and work for the benefit of the Russian people and Russian culture.

Vladimir Putin is visiting the United States. This is Mr. Putin’s third visit to the US as the President of Russia. The climax of the visit will be Mr. Putin’s address to the UN General Assembly scheduled for Thursday. In his 25-minute speech, the Russian leader will assess the overall situation in the world and the role and place of the United Nations. He will also outline Russia’s approach to regulating regional conflicts and the fight against terrorism. In addition, Vladimir Putin will define the country’s foreign policy priorities.

He is expected to meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday. After that, the Russian President will visit Columbia University, where he will meet with the university’s students and professors. In the evening, Mr. Putin will dine with Henry Kissinger, the former Secretary of State.

On Friday, the Russian President will visit the New York Stock Exchange. He will address the heads of America’s largest companies and banks, and he will answer their questions. After that, Vladimir Putin is expected to meet with the members of the US business community. An agreement between the Vneshekonombank of Russia and the United States’ Eximbank on joint projects in the countries of the Third World will be signed in the presence of Mr. Putin.

On Friday afternoon, Vladimir Putin will fly to Washington. Upon arrival, he will go to the presidential retreat of Camp David. Formal talks are scheduled for Saturday, September 27. After the talks, the two leaders are expected to meet with the press.