FM Davutoglu meets religious leaders in Istanbul

ISTANBUL (A.A) - March 4, 2012 - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday paid visits of courtesy to religious leaders in Istanbul in order to contribute to the continuation of religious peace in the Balkans, Middle East and elsewhere. Within this frame, Davutoglu received Deir Za'faran Monastery Metropolitan Saliba Ozmen at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul. During the meeting with Ozmen, Davutoglu stressed the importance Turkey attached to dialogue in surrounding countries. Davutoglu later visited Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew I. Speaking to reporters after visiting Bartholomew I, Davutoglu said that it was their main principle to see all religious communities share a common cultural life in peace. Bartholomew I, in his part, said that they were pleased with Minister Davutoglu's visit. We have told Minister Davutoglu that we pray for the health of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan daily. Erdogan's health is important for not only Turkey but global peace as well, Bartholomew I said. Davutoglu also paid visits to Deputy Turkey Armenian Patriarch Aram Atesyan, Turkey Syrian Ancient Community Metropolitian Yusuf Cetin, Acting Catholic Patriarch of Turkey's Assyrians Yusuf Sag and Chief Rabbi of Turkey's Jews Isak Haleva on Saturday.