The meeting held at the archbishop’s palace in Cologne between representatives of the Moslem Community in Germany and Pope Benedict XVI was a statement of common commitment against terrorism and agreement on many points. At a press conference on the conclusion of the visit, Cardinal Karl Lehmann, President of the German Bishops’ Conference, summarised the Pope’s words and underlined the "friendly" atmosphere of the meeting, with "very clear words from both parties and many points in common,amongst which values shared with regard to reconciliation and peace between nations, safeguarding life and creation". "The visit of the Pope and this meeting are very important for Germany, where 3.2 million Moslems and 2 million Turks live commented Cardinal Lehmann because they have shown it is possible to live peacefully and that dialogue is important to fight against terrorism and other dangers for our faith". Ridvan Cakir, President of the Turkish-Islamic Union(DITIB) said that "With the Pope we are of the same opinion on many points", especially with regard to "dialogue between religions, between Communities and the different cultures". And he recalled that the religions descending from Abraham "all stem from the same point, that is, the life of man is sacred and that all men must live together in friendship, peace and dialogue". "Therefore he stressed on several occasions we wish to promote and support religious dialogue as well as commit ourselves more: every individual must be against terrorism". This concept was also stressed by Nadeem Elyas, leader of Zentralrates des Muslime in Germany, who added: "The cordiality of this meeting is a clear sign that we need more courage and mutual trust. We must continue to talk to each other and in future plan strategies together. We hope the Pope helps us and that dialogue may improve with the Moslem communities throughout the world".
