Zelensky meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Ukrinform reports this with a reference to the press service of the President’s Office.

"First of all, I want to thank you for this visit. For me personally, for Ukraine, for all of us, it is a great honor that you joined us on such important days as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our independence. This is very important for us,” Zelensky stressed at the beginning of the meeting.

In turn, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew thanked the Ukrainian president for the invitation and stressed that he is happy to be in the beautiful hospitable Ukrainian land, especially when Ukraine celebrates the 30th anniversary of independence.

"It is a great honor for us to celebrate this important date for Ukraine together with you," His Holiness said.

President Zelensky thanked His Holiness for his unconditional personal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence and for his constant prayers for peace in Ukraine.

The interlocutors also discussed the issue of peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine, the situation with the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, in particular, the freedom of religion in the temporarily occupied territories. In addition, further steps for closer cooperation were considered.  

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Ukraine on August 20.

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