From Pakistan to Ukraine, global officials take to Twitter to offer their condolences to Türkiye over an explosion in Taksim, the heart of Istanbul, that killed at least six people and wounded 81.
The blast occurred around 4:20 pm local time (1320 GMT) in Istanbul's Beyoglu district on Sunday. AA)
The international community has condemned the explosion on Istanbul's Istiklal Street that left at least six people dead and 81 injured.
The blast occurred around 4:20 pm local time (1320 GMT) in Istanbul's Beyoglu district on Sunday.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the "attack" and said initial signs pointed to a possible act of terrorism.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he learned about the explosion with "deep anguish".
"(The) government and the people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Türkiye at the loss of precious lives and send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," Sharif posted on Twitter.
The country's foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the blast and expressed solidarity with Türkiye.
I have learnt with deep anguish about the explosion at popular Istiklal avenue in the heart of Istanbul. Govt & people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Turkiye at the loss of precious lives & send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 13, 2022
Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev said in a statement that Azerbaijan was "deeply shaken" by the news and expressed his condolences for the victims of the blast.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured on my own behalf and on behalf of the Azerbaijani people, to the brotherly people of Türkiye."
EU
President of the European Charles Michel also published a message of condolence on his social media accounts over the "horrific news from Istanbul."
Horrific news from #Istanbul tonight.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) November 13, 2022
Condolences to the victims of the explosion at #Istiqlal
All our thoughts are with those currently responding and the people of Türkiye at this very distressing time.
Ukraine
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenskyy also expressed his condolences in a message he shared in Turkish on Twitter.
"I learned with deep sadness the news that many lives were lost and injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street," he stated.
"I offer my condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The pain of the friendly Turkish people is our pain," he added.
North Macedonia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani said he was "shocked and saddened by the news of the explosion".
Shocked and saddened by the news of the explosion in #Istanbul, #Türkiye this afternoon which resulted in numerous casualties.
— Bujar Osmani (@Bujar_O) November 13, 2022
My deepest condolences to victims' families and their loved ones. Sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. @MevlutCavusoglu
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic said Bosnia and Herzegovina is "deeply shaken by the tragic attack in Istanbul."
"A vicious attack on civilians is an attack on all of us. We sympathise with the brotherly people and government of the Republic of Türkiye," she said on Twitter.
"We believe in your strength to overcome this difficult moment. Bosnia and Herzegovina is with you!"
Germany
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said her "thoughts are with the people who just wanted to stroll on the shopping street Istiklal on a Sunday and became victims of a terrible explosion."
Horrific images coming out of #Istanbul. My thoughts are with the people who just wanted to stroll on the shopping street Istiklal on a Sunday and became victims of a terrible explosion. https://t.co/hhMgWOywza
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) November 13, 2022
Maldives
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said he was "saddened by the news of the explosion... taking innocent lives and inflicting injuries to many."
"My heartfelt condolences to my dear brother and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. My prayers are with everyone affected and the people of Türkiye," he said on Twitter.
Saddened by the news of the explosion in #Istanbul at #TaksimSquare, taking innocent lives and inflicting injuries to many.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 13, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to my dear brother and Foreign Minister @MevlutCavusoglu. My prayers are with everyone affected and the people of #Türkiye.
Sweden
Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billstrom offered his "sincere condolences to the Turkish people and the citizens of Istanbul in view of the horrific explosion that has occurred in Istanbul this afternoon."
Albania
Minister of Foreign Affairs Olta Xhacka said "our hearts and minds go out to the families of those killed and injured" and that the country stands by "Türkiye and its people in this painful day."
Tragic images coming out of #Istanbul. Our hearts & minds go out to the families of those killed & injured.
— Olta Xhaçka🇦🇱 (@xhacka_olta) November 13, 2022
We stand by #Türkiye & its people in this painful day. 🇦🇱🇹🇷 @MevlutCavusoglu
Georgia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili sent his "deepest sympathy...to the families and friends of the victims of the horrific explosion.
"I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. To our friends in Türkiye, stands with you and shares in your grief," Darchiashvili wrote on Twitter.
Uzbekistan
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov "received the news about the explosion in Istanbul with deep sadness."
"I express my sincere condolences to the families and relatives of deceased people. I wish the injured ones a speedy recovery," he said on Twitter.
Dear @MevlutCavusoglu, I received the news about the explosion in Istanbul with deep sadness.
— Vladimir Norov (@VladimirNorov) November 13, 2022
I express my sincere condolences to the families and relatives of deceased people, I wish the injured ones a speedy recovery.
Birodar turk xalqi sogʻ-omon boʻlsin.
Başınız sağolsun.
Turkish Super Lig match postponed
Turkish football clubs Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor offered condolences, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the explosion.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said on Twitter that the match between Besiktas and Fraport TAV Antalyaspor was put off to a later date.
The week 14 game was due to be held at 8 pm local time (1700 GMT) at Besiktas' home ground Vodafone Park in Istanbul's European side.
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(With input from news agency language)
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