Türkiye seeks explanation from organisers of Swiss conference on Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli has said that the Turkish authorities requested explanations from the organisers of the Swiss conference on Ukraine due to the presence of the Greek Patriarchate in Istanbul among the signatories of the joint declaration.

The diplomat denied the information that Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople took part in the conference and held a meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Ankara has therefore demanded an explanation as to why the Greek Patriarchate in Istanbul is on the list of signatories to the final statement.

According to Keceli, there have been no changes regarding the position of the Greek Patriarchate in the state policy of the country.

Türkiye does not recognise the ecumenical status of the Church of Constantinople. In Türkiye, Bartholomew is considered the head of the Orthodox Greek community of the Fener district, he is forbidden to engage in political activity.