The Turkish Foreign Ministry has reacted strongly to the participation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the International Summit on Ukraine. According to a report by skai.gr, Turkish officials demanded explanations regarding the Ecumenical Patriarch’s endorsement of the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Summit.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Öncü Keçeli stated, “The news that the Ecumenical Patriarchate participated with state status in the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024, and that our minister had an official bilateral meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomewon the sidelines of the Summit does not reflect the truth.”
The Turkish side also sought clarifications from the organizers of the Summit, Switzerland and Ukraine, about allegations that the name of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was added as a signatory to the joint statement after the Summit concluded.
Moreover, it was emphasized that there has been no change in Turkey’s state policy regarding the status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar. The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s reaction highlights ongoing sensitivities and complexities surrounding the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s role in international affairs.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
