Laos extends condolences over tragic events in Germany, Turkey

Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has sent a message to the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany to extend the Lao government's condolences over the tragic event that occurred in Berlin, Germany on Monday.

"We have learned with deep sorrow about the tragedy that occurred at the Christmas market in the heart of Berlin, Germany on Dec. 19, which killed many victims and injured others. We strongly condemn such acts of terror perpetrated against Germany," state-run Vientiane Times on Wednesday quoted Thongloun as saying in the massage.

A truck ploughed into a Christmas market in central Berlin Monday evening, killing at least 12 and injuring several dozens of people.

On his own behalf and representing the Lao government and people, the prime minister expressed his deep condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Germany as well as the bereaved families affected by the barbaric act.

Meanwhile, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith also sent a message to his Russian counterpart to extend condolences over the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov.

"I have learned with the deepest sadness of the barbaric assassination of His Excellency Ambassador Andrei Karlov on Dec. 19, 2016, while attending the opening of a photo exhibition in Ankara," Saleumxay said in the message.

In the message, Saleumxay noted the government's strong condemnation of such terrorist acts against Russian diplomats.

"On behalf of the Lao government and people, and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our profound condolences and sympathy through Your Excellency to the Russian government and people as well as the bereaved family," the foreign minister added in the message.

The Russian ambassador was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish policeman at an art exhibition in Ankara late Monday evening. Endit