The Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued a written statement in support of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who survived an assassination attempt on Saturday, “strongly” condemning the “heinous attack,” the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
Armed drones targeted Maduro during a speech in the capital city of Caracas.
It is the greatest consolation that Maduro and his relatives survived the incident unharmed, and Turkey wishes a speedy recovery to the seven soldiers reportedly wounded in the explosions, the statement said.
“In this difficult time, Turkey stands with the brotherly and friendly Venezuelan people and President Maduro, his family and all government officials,” it said.
The statement said the continuation of stability, prosperity, peace and security in Venezuela is Turkey’s greatest wish and that it is also important for regional stability and world peace.
“We offer our well wishes to President Maduro, his esteemed family, government members and all Venezuelan people,” the statement added.
Maduro, in a national address, blamed far-right factions for the attack, saying the perpetrators were linked to Colombia and the United States.
Several suspects who Maduro said were responsible for the attack were arrested.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself “Soldiers in T-shirts” claimed responsibility for the attack through social media.
Turkey and Venezuela have in recent years strengthened ties after both countries developed alliances with Russia. Maduro attended Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s inauguration a month ago.