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Merkel calls for strengthened dialogue between religions

Xinhua, January 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday has called for strengthened dialogue between religions.

She made the remarks after meeting visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

"I am the chancellor of all Germans ... This includes all the people living here permanently, whatever their origins and background," said Merkel at a press conference with Davutoglu.

The chancellor said she shared the opinion expressed by former German President Christian Wulff that Islam is part of Germany, and expressed gratitude to the Muslims in Germany that they have rejected violence.

"This clarity is very helpful for the coexistence of religions in our country," she noted.

Merkel also stressed the need for further strengthening dialogue between different religions in order to reduce ignorance. Endit