A special plane with the body of Russia’s Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov departed from Ankara on Dec. 20.

Axar.az informs, a farewell ceremony was held at Ankara’s Esenboga airport, NTV channel reported.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Togrul Turkes, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, MPs, foreign ambassadors, as well as Karlov’s family members attended the ceremony. After a minute of silence, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey Faig Baghirov first made a speech, expressing condolences on behalf of the Azerbaijani state and foreign ministry.

“The terrorist act that claimed Andrey Karlov’s life should ramp up Russia-Turkey cooperation in counterterrorism and joint efforts,” the Azerbaijani envoy said. In his speech, Deputy PM Turkes noted that with the death of Karlov Turkey lost a friend.

“Andrey Karlov served as an ambassador at a time of strained relations between Turkey and Russia and he tried a lot to help normalize relations. Andrey Karlov has already become an eternal symbol of Russia-Turkey friendship. Those seeking to put Russia and Turkey against each other won’t achieve their goals. Russia-Turkey friendship is as strong as ever,” he added.

Later on, Christian clergies recited prayers and Karlov’s body was sent to Russia on a special plane.