US President Joe Biden met with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, writes Voice of America.

“They discussed efforts to combat climate change, steps to end the global COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right,” the White House said.

“Their meeting highlighted the important role that religious communities play in confronting a range of global challenges we all face, as well as the longstanding friendship and partnership that binds President Biden and His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch,” the statement reads.