Turkey's top diplomat says Russian ambassador's murder will not harm bilateral relations

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. The assassination of Russian Ambassador to Ankara Andrei Karlov will not harm the relations between Russia and Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters on Tuesday.

"Both sides understand that this disgraceful act will not harm our relations, and we will do everything necessary for it," Cavusoglu said.

"We will not let this affect our relations, our solidarity in the fight against terrorism, and first of all against terrorist organizations," he added.

Cavusoglu noted that the ambassador’s murder was connected with attempts to disrupt settlement of the conflict in Syria. "This crime was aimed against our joint efforts to save the Syrian people, to search for a political resolution of the conflict in Syria," he said. "We understand this very well and will make every effort to prevent it," he added.

The foreign minister said that he learned about the death of Karlov "as a result of a treacherous crime" with great sadness. "Andrei Gennadyievich Karlov was an outstanding diplomat who made great efforts to keep diplomatic channels between Russia and Turkey open in any situation," Cavusoglu said. "He was not just an outstanding diplomat but also a great person who deserves praise at any level," he concluded.

Turkey will provide any necessary assistance in the investigation of the murder of Russian Ambassador to Ankara Andrei Karlov, according to Cavusoglu.

"The leaders of our countries reached understanding that the investigation will be carried out jointly," Cavusoglu said. "The Turkish side will provide any necessary assistance. As soon as we get the results of the

investigation, we will immediately make a statement," he added.

"We are currently trying to organize coordination between relevant agencies," he noted. "This investigation will be carried out by the two sides at the same time," he concluded.