Top US diplomat in Istanbul as part of seven-nation tour

ISTANBUL

The U.S. secretary of state arrived in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul on Nov. 16 as part of a seven-nation tour from Nov. 13-23.

He met Bartholomew I of Constantinople - the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox world.

His meeting with the patriarch took place in the Patriarchate in the Fatih district of Istanbul and lasted around 80 minutes behind close doors.

Accompanied by a delegation that included his wife Susan Pompeo and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey David Satterfield, Pompeo also visited to the St. George’s Cathedral, where he lit a candle.

Following the meeting, Pompeo and the accompanying delegation visited the historical Rüstem Pasha Mosque in the Eminönü district.

Last week, Mike Pompeo announced he would leave for France, and then visit Turkey, Georgia, Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The Istanbul leg is notable for the absence of scheduled meetings with any top Turkish officials.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Nov.11 lashed out at the U.S. State Department for raising concerns “over religious issues” ahead of Pompeo’s visit to Istanbul.