The head of the Russian Orthodox Church met on Tuesday with US President Barack Obama and told him that the shared Christian values of their two countries could help bridge differences.

Patriarch Kirill, who was enthroned in February after the death of his predecessor, met Mr Obama in the Kremlin and called for "heart" to overcome mutual distrust, the Russian Orthodox Church said in a statement.

"In order for there to be no more anti-American feelings in Russia and no more anti-Russian feelings in America, the heart must be engaged. We have wonderful potential for this," said Patriarch Kirill in a statement.

"It is very important for both the American and Russian peoples to preserve the Christian system of values. We are the most religious peoples, and it is very important that there be constant dialogue between Christians of our countries," the bearded Orthodox leader said.

Mr Obama in turn thanked Patriarch Kirill for efforts to strengthen Christian unity, according to the Church's statement.

Mr Obama met the patriarch as part of a three-day state visit to Russia that included numerous meetings with prominent Russian figures including former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, an avowed atheist.