Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a letter of condolences to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze over the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia.

According to the government administration, the Turkish President extends his condolences to the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Orthodox Church and the Georgian people.

“Dear Prime Minister, I learned with great sadness that His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on the night of March 17. On behalf of the Turkish people and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Your Excellency, the Orthodox Church and the Georgian people,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93. A day of mourning has been declared in Georgia following the death of Patriarch Ilia II. The Patriarch will be buried in Sioni Cathedral on Sunday, March 22.