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So Cardinal Raï is informally bringing Patriarch Kirill into the pre-conclave consultations on the state of the Church and what is needed in the new Pope?

No. According to the article,

We spoke for hours about the situation faced by Christians in the Middle East and the possibility for collaboration on a cultural, religious and social level; we also talked about the promotion of unity between Catholic and Orthodox Churches in the Middle East for the good of the region and about how to create awareness of the Christian faith among Muslims.

While I have never visited the Middle East, I practice my catholic faith in a Maronite Church where many of the congregants are from that part of the world. Through them I have gained a better understanding of the persecution they have endured for centuries! Christianity was born in the Middle East and it remains the home for a large number of Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Pope Benedict, keenly aware of the horrific situation, visited Lebanon last September, to address religious freedom.

"You know all too well the tragedy of the conflicts and the violence which generates so much suffering. Sadly, the din of weapons continues to make itself heard, along with the cry of the widow and the orphan. Violence and hatred invade people’s lives, and the first victims are women and children. Why so much horror? Why so many dead? I appeal to the international community! I appeal to the Arab countries that, as brothers, they might propose workable solutions respecting the dignity, the rights and the religion of every human person! Those who wish to build peace must cease to see in the other an evil to be eliminated. It is not easy to see in the other a person to be respected and loved, and yet this is necessary if peace is to be built, if fraternity is desired.
"May God grant to your country, to Syria and to the Middle East the gift of peaceful hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence! May men understand that they are all brothers! Mary, our Mother, understands our concern and our needs. Together with the patriarchs and bishops present, I place the Middle East under her maternal protection. May we, with God’s help, be converted so as to work ardently to establish the peace that is necessary for harmonious coexistence among brothers, whatever their origins and religious convictions". (VIS)
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Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI engaged the Orthodox Church leaders in a dialogue of unity. Cardinal Rai rightfully felt it important to convey the importance of ensuring these dialogues continue.