Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Togrul Turkes, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, MPs, foreign ambassadors, as well as Karlov’s family members attended the ceremony.
After a minute of silence, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey Faig Baghirov first made a speech, expressing condolences on behalf of the Azerbaijani state and foreign ministry.
“The terrorist act that claimed Andrey Karlov’s life should ramp up Russia-Turkey cooperation in counterterrorism and joint efforts,” the Azerbaijani envoy said.
In his speech, Deputy PM Turkes noted that with the death of Karlov Turkey lost a friend.
“Andrey Karlov served as an ambassador at a time of strained relations between Turkey and Russia and he tried a lot to help normalize relations. Andrey Karlov has already become an eternal symbol of Russia-Turkey friendship. Those seeking to put Russia and Turkey against each other won’t achieve their goals. Russia-Turkey friendship is as strong as ever,” he added.
Later on, Christian clergies recited prayers and Karlov’s body was sent to Russia on a special plane.
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