Erdogan condemns terrorist attack in Moscow

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned on Saturday the "unacceptable" attack that killed at least 133 people on Friday night at a concert hall in the suburbs of Moscow.

"We strongly condemn this hateful terrorist attack against innocent civilians," Erdogan said during a rally in Ankara. "Terrorism is unacceptable, no matter where it comes from or who the perpetrator is."

Erdogan emphasized that Turkey shares the pain of Russia, adding, "we will continue to fight against terrorism, the common enemy of humanity." During a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the gathering, Erdogan expressed "his deep sadness and condolences... for the terrorist attack in Moscow," his office reported.

Erdogan also told the Russian leader that "the attack demonstrated the need to end the crises in the region peacefully and as soon as possible," adding that Turkey was ready to cooperate with Moscow in the fight against terrorism. Erdogan frequently speaks on the phone with Vladimir Putin.

Ankara is keen on maintaining relations with both Kiev and Moscow since the start of the war in Ukraine, regularly offering its mediation efforts for a negotiated resolution of the conflict between the two countries, both of which border the Black Sea like Turkey.