We have received the news of the attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, with profound sadness. We strongly condemn this act of terrorism which apparently has been directed against Afghan and foreign officials participating in an international meeting about the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghans. We wish mercy upon those who lost their lives, convey our condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wish speedy recovery to the wounded. All of the six Turkish citizens who were at the hotel at the time of the attack were safely evacuated by the Turkish Embassy in Kabul and the Regional Command Capital.

We take this opportunity to renew our firm conviction that the full assumption of the security responsibilities by the Afghans is an essential element of peace and stability in Afghanistan. Turkey will continue providing comprehensive support to Afghanistan to this end.