Türkiye demanded an explanation from the organizers of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland due to the presence of the Greek Patriarchate at the conference in Istanbul. This was announced by the official representative of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oncü Keceli, on the page on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
“Reports that the Greek Patriarchate in Istanbul participated in the peace summit on Ukraine, held in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024, with state status do not correspond to reality,” Keceli wrote on the social network X. The diplomat also denied the fact that the Turkish The minister held an official meeting with Greek Patriarch Bartholomew on the sidelines of the summit. Keceli added that Turkey has requested explanations from Switzerland and Ukraine regarding the signature of the Greek Patriarchate of Istanbul on the final declaration of the event.
“Regarding allegations that the name of the Greek Patriarchate of Istanbul was added as a signatory to the joint declaration adopted at the summit and presented to the public, explanations have been sought from the summit organizers, Switzerland and Ukraine.”,” Kecheli emphasized.
Ukrainian media previously reported that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew took part in the conference on Ukraine in Bürgenstock, spoke at it and signed the final declaration. It is noted that Patriarch Bartholomew is considered by the Turkish authorities as a local bishop and call head of the Greek Orthodox community in Turkey.
The patriarch is prohibited from engaging in political activities. The status of the patriarch in Turkey is limited to conducting services for Greeks living in the country.
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