Turkish Deputy FM writes in condolence book at Georgian Embassy in Ankara over death of Ilia II

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci has expressed her heartfelt condolences to Georgian Ambassador to Türkiye Archil Kalandia, following the passing of Ilia II.

According to the Georgian Embassy in Türkiye, on March 19, 2026, Deputy Minister Ekinci expressed the Turkish government’s sympathies to Ambassador Kalandia at the Georgian Embassy in Ankara, honouring the solemn occasion of the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye inscribed her condolences in the book of commemoration opened at the Georgian Embassy.

“We learned with profound sorrow of the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II. We extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Georgia and the Orthodox Church for this great loss. In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with Georgia and share in their grief,” the note read.