International condolences pour in for victims of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau UPDATED

In the aftermath of the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane near the Kazakh city of Aktau, condolences have poured in from global leaders and organizations expressing their sympathy to the people of Azerbaijan.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko extended his heartfelt condolences to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, expressing that the tragic news was received with profound grief and sorrow in Belarus, Caliber.Az reports via Belarus media.

"Belarusians share the gravity of the misfortune that befell the brotherly people of Azerbaijan and the grief of irreparable losses," Lukashenko’s message read.

He also extended sincere words of support to the families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Similarly, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, expressed his condolences on social media, writing, "With deep sorrow we learned about the tragic loss of lives at the plane crash during an emergency landing of AZAL flight today in Aktau. We express our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and we wish full recovery to those injured.”

🖤With deep sorrow we learned about the tragic loss of lives at the plane crash during an emergency landing of AZAL flight today in Aktau. We express our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and we wish full recovery to those injured.

— Peter Michalko (@MichalkoPeter) December 25, 2024

Türkiye also expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, with Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Cahit Bagci, sharing his condolences via a post on social media.

"We share our grief over the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan and express our condolences to our Azerbaijani brothers. May Allah rest the souls of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured," the ambassador wrote.

Azərbaycan Hava Yollarına məxsus bir təyyarənin Qazaxıstanda qəzaya uğraması ilə bağlı kədərimizi və azərbaycanlı qardaşlarımıza başsağlığı verirəm.
Allahdan həyatını itirən qardaşlarımıza rəhmət diler, kədərli ailələrinə başsağlığı verir, yaralananlara isə tezliklə şəfa…

— Cahit Bağcı (@cahitbagci) December 25, 2024

In addition, Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Turkish company Baykar Technology, offered his condolences in a message shared on his official social media page, expressing sorrow over the tragic loss.

"May Almighty God grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives in the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane and provide strength and patience to the grieving Azerbaijani people," Bayraktar wrote.

Azərbaycan Hava Yollarına məxsus bir təyyarənin Qazaxıstanda qəzaya uğraması ilə bağlı kədərimizi və azərbaycanlı qardaşlarımıza başsağlığı verirəm.
Allahdan həyatını itirən qardaşlarımıza rəhmət diler, kədərli ailələrinə başsağlığı verir, yaralananlara isə tezliklə şəfa…

— Cahit Bağcı (@cahitbagci) December 25, 2024

The Mexican Embassy in Azerbaijan also extended its condolences, stating, "May Almighty God rest the souls of the victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crash and grant strength and patience to the people of Azerbaijan during this difficult time."

Nuestras sentidas condolencias a familiares y amigos de las personas que perdieron la vida en el trágico accidente de Azerbaijan Airlines cerca de Aktau🥀.

Deseamos una pronta recuperación para los heridos y que regresen con sus seres queridos.@SRE_mx @mtmercado2002

— Embamex Azerbaiyán (@EmbaMexAze) December 25, 2024

Belgium’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Julien de Fraipont, expressed his shock and sadness following the plane crash, writing, " Following the crash of a AZAL flight in Kazakhstan, the Embassy expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy and wishes a prompt recovery to the injured.

Following the crash of a @azalofficial flight in Kazakhstan, the Embassy expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy and wishes a prompt recovery to the injured.

****

Qazaxıstanda @azalofficial təyyarəsinin qəzaya uğraması ilə… pic.twitter.com/sy1K6twBOd

— Embassy of Belgium in Baku (@BelgiuminBaku) December 25, 2024

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) joined the international community in offering condolences, posting a heartfelt message on their social media platform.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, involving an Azerbaijani airline on the Baku-Grozny flight.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and we send strength to the survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this devastating incident.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the nations of all the countries impacted by this tragic event," the post by the organization reads.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, involving an Azerbaijani airline on the Baku-Grozni flight.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and we send strength to the survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/bKdhDDCCgN

— Organization of Turkic States (@Turkic_States) December 25, 2024

15:08

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has expressed condolences to Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane in the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan.

President Tokayev conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss of passengers and crew members in the crash, Caliber.Az reports citing Kazakh media.

"Sharing in the sorrow of this irreparable loss, I offer my heartfelt condolences to you, the families and friends of the victims, and to the entire people of Azerbaijan. Following my instructions, the government of Kazakhstan has established a state commission to carry out necessary measures in the ongoing rescue operation and provide further support to the Azerbaijani authorities," the message reads.

In the wake of this tragedy, expressions of sympathy and support have poured in from around the world. World leaders offered their condolences to Azerbaijan following the crash of the AZAL aircraft, which was en route from Baku to Grozny.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Head of the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation Sergey Melikov, are among those who have expressed their sorrow.

In their social media posts, these leaders have shared heartfelt messages of condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, while offering their solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan and wishing a swift recovery to those injured in the devastating crash.

14:22

Following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane near the Kazakh city of Aktau, condolences have poured in from across the world.

UN Resident Coordinator's thoughts with victims' families

Vladanka Andreeva, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, also shared her condolences on social media, Caliber.Az reports.

"Deeply saddened by the reports of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight crash in Kazakhstan. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," she posted on her official X account.

Deeply saddened by the reports of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight crash in Kazakhstan. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

— Vladanka Andreeva (@Vladanka_A) December 25, 2024

Georgia offers condolences to Azerbaijan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia joined in offering condolences to Azerbaijan. The Georgian Foreign Ministry posted a message on X, saying, "We are deeply saddened to hear about the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft, which claimed dozens of lives. We would like to express our sincere condolences and profound sympathy to the government and the people of friendly Azerbaijan. At this difficult time, Georgia stands in solidarity with strategic partner Azerbaijan. We wish those injured a speedy recovery."

We are deeply saddened to hear about the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft, which claimed dozens of lives.
We would like to express our sincere condolences and profound sympathy to the government and the people of friendly 🇦🇿 . At this difficult time 🇬🇪 stands in solidarity…

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) December 25, 2024

Israel expresses readiness to assist Azerbaijan

Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek, also conveyed his sympathy, offering both condolences and assistance.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash today. We pray for the recovery of the survivors.

On behalf of the people of Israel offer our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The embassy of Israel is in touch with the relevant authorities and we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary. 

May souls of the victims rest in peace.”  the ambassador posted on his official X account.

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash today. We pray for the recovery of the survivors.
On behalf of the people of Israel offer our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
The embassy of Israel is in touch… pic.twitter.com/GxxM1JGvuP

— George Deek (@GeorgeDeek) December 25, 2024

Earlier today, on December 25, an Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, operating Baku-Grozny flight No. J2-8243, crashed in Aktau.

A total of 67 people were onboard the Azerbaijan Airlines flight, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members, according to a statement from AZAL’s press service. 

Among those aboard the plane were 37 Azerbaijan nationals, 16 Russian citizens, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan. 

By Vafa Guliyeva