The Maldives government on Tuesday strongly condemned the assassination of Russia's Ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov.

"The government of Maldives, condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Russian Ambassador, Andrey Karlov. Heartfelt condolences to his family members," the Maldives Foreign Ministry said.

International media reports said the Russian diplomat was assassinated at an Ankara art exhibit on Monday evening by a lone Turkish gunman, in what the leaders of Turkey and Russia called a provocative terrorist attack.

The gunman, described by Turkish officials as a 22-year-old off-duty police officer, also wounded at least three others in the assault on the envoy.

source: Xinhua