US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who came to Istanbul after Ankara as part of official contacts, made her first visit to the Fener Greek Patriarchate.
During the visit to the Fener Greek Patriarchate, Sherman was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Ankara David M. SatterfIeld and the US Deputy Undersecretary of State Matthew Palmer.
Lit candles in the church
Sherman, who was welcomed by the Patriarchate officials, visited the Aya Yorgi Patriarchate Church and lit a candle, getting information about the church. Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew hosted Sherman after her church visit.
In her speech here, US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman said, "Today, I am honored to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew, a respected leader in the Orthodox world with a population of more than 300 million worldwide."
“The USA has a long-standing relationship with the Patriarchate”
Stating that the USA has a long-standing relationship with the Patriarchate, Sherman stated that in this context, it cooperates in global problems that transcend national borders.
Sherman stated that he is happy to see the Patriarchate as a partner to promote religious freedoms around the world. The meeting then continued in a closed to the press. After the talks, a souvenir photo was taken in the garden of the Patriarchate.