Turkey extends condolences to Zambia over Ankara envoy's death

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Wednesday expressed its "heartfelt condolences" to Zambia over the death of Joseph Chilengi, the ambassador of the southern African nation to Ankara.

Chilengi, 61, passed away late Tuesday at a private hospital where he was getting medical attention, said a Zambian Foreign Ministry statement.

"Deeply saddened that Mr. Joseph Chilengi, Ambassador of Zambia passed away yesterday in Ankara. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the friendly people of Zambia," said the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Twitter.

Zambia's Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji said in a statement, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of our Ambassador accredited to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Chilengi after a short illness."

Telling how the late ambassador "worked very hard to promote bilateral and trade relations between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Turkey," Malanji also expressed condolences to the Chilengi's family.