THE Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to whom he expressed his condolences and deep sadness over the terrorist attack in Moscow.

The Turkish president strongly condemned the “heinous terrorist attack that targeted innocent people” and stated that the attack demonstrated the need for a peaceful end to the crises in the region as soon as possible, as stated in a statement by the Turkish presidency’s Communication Directorate.

“THE Turkey is ready to develop cooperation with Russia in the fight against terrorism, regardless of its form,” the announcement concludes.

Earlier, Recep Tayyip Erdogan first referred to the terrorist attack in Moscow at the main election rally of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara.

“On behalf of my country and nation, I express our condolences to the Russian government for the terrorist attack on a concert hall in Moscow yesterday. We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack that targeted innocent civilians,” said the Turkish president.

He continued: “Terrorism is unacceptable wherever it comes from, whoever the perpetrator is. As a country that knows very well the bloody and treacherous face of terrorism, we share the pain of the Russian people as a nation, as a state. We will continue our fight against terrorism, the common enemy of humanity.”