CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand
Turkey’s vice president on Sunday called for a joint stance against all terror attacks during his visit to New Zealand, terming the twin attacks which killed at least 50 people a clear “act of terrorism”.
Fuat Oktay’s remarks came during his meeting with Winston Peters, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of New Zealand.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also accompanied him during the gathering which was closed to press.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 17: Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay (L) and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (left 2) attend an inter-delegations meeting with New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters (right 2) in Christchurch in New Zealand on March 17, 2019. At least 50 people were reportedly killed in twin terror attacks targeting Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch. ( Muhammet Fatih Oğraş - Anadolu Agency )
The Turkish officials conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “deep sorrow” over the recent bloody attacks.
They were informed about the latest condition of the injured Turks and investigation into the attacks.
The Turkish side offered "every kind of support" in the fight against terrorism.
Stating that it was “saddening” to see the rise of far-right sentiment as well as racism and Islamaphobia, they said that it was clear that these extremist approaches encourage terror-prone individuals.
A terrorist opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in and around Christchurch, New Zealand’s third-largest city.
*Writing by Nilay Kar Onum
