The Ecumenical Patriarch met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Ankara on 5 February 2019, responding to the invitation of the Turkish President to attend the official dinner in honor of the Prime Minister of Greece.

On the next day, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the Holy Theological School of Halki and had a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a cordial atmosphere. His visit on 6 February coincided with the feast of Saint Photius, Patriarch Constantinople and benefactor of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki where the historical theological school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is housed, but which is unfortunately ceased to function due to the decision of the Turkish authorities.