MR. GORMEZ, HEAD OF THE DIRECTORATE OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, VISITS PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis appeared as an on-air guest at TGRT News and replied the questions on the agenda. He also commented on the visit of Mr. Mehmet Gormez, the Head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, to Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Stating that the visit of Mr. Gormez to Bartholomew was very meaningful, Bagis said: “This is really a historic visit. I also congratulate him for his determination and tolerance. This was a must. After all, different religious groups have been living in this country together for ages. Remarking that it was also very meaningful to keep Istanbul’s nature alive which has hosted a great many of religious beliefs and to make the whole world aware of the message as “Istanbul is the most eastern part of the West and the most western part of the East”, Bagis said:

''We also welcome, visit and meet with Patriarch Bartholomew on many occasions. We are witnessing their words citing they feel more comfortable in Turkey than ever before. The visit of the Head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs is quite important. I attach great importance to continuing these mutual meetings.

In the past, it would have been considered weird when the different religious groups came into contact with the government, the directorate of religious affairs or the ministries. Now, they can easily meet with the President, the Prime Minister or the Ministers.”

Indicating that the relations between Turkey and Greece were built on friendship rather than on hostility as it was, Bagis said that these bona fide initiatives would encourage both sides.