Breakfast with Australian expatriates; Visit Sultanahmet area; Meeting with the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch; Meeting with the Governor of Istanbul; Visit to the Church of the Holy Saviour; Reception for Embassy and Consulate staff

On Wednesday 5 August 2015, in Istanbul, Turkey, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove as guests of the Australian Consul-General in Istanbul, Mr Lino Strangis hosted a breakfast for Australian expatriates living and working in Istanbul.

Afterwards, at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with Imam Ishak Kizilasian.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Director, Ms Sabriye Parlak, visited Hagia Sofia.

Then, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, visited the Basilica Cistern.

Afterwards, at the Patriarchal Church of St George, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, His All Holiness Bartholomew I and conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Australia, including from members of Australia’s Greek and Orthodox communities.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mr James Larsen, and Australian Consul-General in Istanbul, attended a lunch and met with Australian business representatives.

Then, the Governor-General met with the Governor of Istanbul, Mr Vasip Sahin.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove as guests of the Director, Ms Ayse Erdogdu, visited the Top Kapi Museum Treasury and Harem.

Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove as guests of the Director, Ms Isin Firatli, visited the Church of the Holy Saviour.

Then, in Ҫanakkale, Turkey, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a welcome ceremony.

In the evening, at the Kolin Hotel, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a reception for Australian Embassy and Consulate staff working in Ҫanakkale.