Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende visited the Turkish Embassy in Oslo on Monday, to express the government’s sympathy and support after the country was hit once again by an act of terrorism. The death toll from an attack on a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve was at 39 Monday afternoon, with at least another 70 people injured.
“Our thoughts and sympathy go to those who are rammed by this, to their families and the Turkish people,” Brende stated. “I have today expressed condolences to my Turkish colleague, Mevlut Cavasoglu.”
Brende also went to the embassy in Oslo, where he signed a condolence protocol and condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest of terms. The brutal Islamic terror organization IS took reponsibility for the attack on Monday.
Brende also said the fight against terrorism must continue and be strengthened. Turkey has suffered a wave of terrorism during the past year and before that.
The country has long been a popular tourism destination for Norwegians and Brende’s ministry has not issued warnings against travel to Turkey at this time, but is urging any Norwegian residents visiting Turkey to register with the ministry before leaving. The ministry is also advising against any travel to areas bordering on Syria.
newsinenglish.no staff
