Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is traveling to Ankara on February 11, 2026, after being invited by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to attend an official dinner at the Presidential Palace, honoring Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This visit marks a notable diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing discussions about the relations between Greece and Turkey, particularly in the context of recent geopolitical tensions in the region.

The attendance of the Ecumenical Patriarch represents a significant religious and cultural bridge between Greece and Turkey, as the Patriarchate has a storied history in the region and is a key religious authority for Orthodox Christians. His presence is seen as a means to promote dialogue and understanding between the two nations, contributing positively to bilateral relations.

During this brief visit, the Patriarch will also be accompanied by Bishop Emmanuel of Chalcedon, who is also invited to the dinner. Their shared attendance underscores the unity of the Greek Orthodox Church and highlights the importance of religious figures in fostering goodwill between Greece and Turkey, especially at a time of heightened political sensitivities.