"I express my sincere condolences to the Turkish people over the tragic loss of lives in a blast that happened in Istanbul. Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and families of the bereaved. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time," - Shalva Papuashvili wrote on Twitter. 

To be reminded, 8 people were killed and 81 others injured, when an explosion hit Istanbul’s popular pedestrian Istiklal Street on Sunday.