ISTANBUL

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Istanbul Bartholomew I on Tuesday.

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

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

Following the meeting, Pompeo and the accompanying delegation visited the historical Rustem Pasha Mosque in the Eminonu district.

Pompeo’s visit to Istanbul is part of his seven-nation tour that started Monday in France. His next stop will be Georgia.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk