We all need to go back to the source of faith and respect of spiritual values in order to cope better with the challenges of today, striving towards unity and togetherness, agreed President Gjorge Ivanov and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Tuesday's meeting in Istanbul-based Constantinople Patriarchate.

Interlocutors sent messages for Orthodox unity, but also referred to problems the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MPC) is faced with, MIA reports.

President Ivanov expressed hope the MPC issue would be overcome through dialogue and mutual respect, in the spirit of Christianity, so that Macedonian followers assume their spot in the Orthodox community.

"Churches settle church issues. Politicians have a limited mandate here. I am glad this is an ongoing process, whereas churches will eventually reach a solution", Ivanov told reporters.

Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that his thoughts and prayers, as well as his efforts focus on overcoming brotherly misunderstandings and achievement of Orthodox unity. Moreover, he congratulated President Ivanov for his commitment to spiritual values, dialogue and tolerance of diversities.

On Wednesday, President Ivanov will address the 15. Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by the Marmara Foundation. The three-day event will focus on economy, environment and sustainable development, with emphasis on the period following the economic crisis, energy-technological innovations and future of green energy, as well as inter-cultural dialogue - culture of peace.