Putin notes closeness of opinions with patriarch despite emerging disputes sometimes

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is not always and not in all agrees with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, but he is always heeding to the latter's pieces of advice in general, Rossiya 1 (VGTRK) television reported.
The Russian president said that a lot could be drawn from the talks with the patriarch.
"We can argue about something, but our opinions are very close. He is a smart, well-educated man with the deep mind, who is always opening up with new facets," Putin said, quoted at the Vesti.ru.
Putin congratulated Patriarch Kirill on his 70th birthday, the Kremlin press service said earlier on Sunday.
The greeting telegram by the head of state in particular said: "You have devoted many years to the selfless service to the Russian Orthodox Church, to consistent and steadfast defense of its values and ideas. Your tireless concern for preservation of the unique historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Russia, support for the family, upbringing of the younger generation have earned the most sincere respect to you. And I will certainly highlight the huge contribution you are making in development of inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogues, in strengthening of peace and social accord in our country."
The Russian president has earlier signed an order on awarding the Order For Services to the Fatherland of the First Degree to Patriarch Kirill.