The Turkish President has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Prime Minister of Georgia following the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

In his message, Recep Tayyip Erdogan offers his sympathies to Irakli Kobakhidze, the Orthodox Church, and the people of Georgia.

"Dear Prime Minister, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, on the night of March 17. On behalf of the Turkish nation and myself, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Your Excellency, the Orthodox Church, and the Georgian people", - reads the letter.