The meeting in Ankara focused on efforts to reopen the historic Orthodox theological school, as dialogue continues between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Turkish government

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew raised concerns regarding the condition of Christians in the Middle East, Orthodox unity and progress for reopening the Halki School of Theology

Discussions focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at reopening the Halki seminary, with a tentative horizon set for Sept. 2026.

Momentum for reopening the institution appeared to strengthen after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Sept.