Turkey on Monday expressed regret over death of U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, known as a vocal supporter of Turkey in the United States.

Byrd, the longest-serving member of U.S. Congress ever, died early Monday at the age of 92 after an illness.

"Turkey will always remember gratefully his contributions to Turkish-U.S. relations," Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"He was one of the most resolved supporters of Turkish-U.S. friendship and cooperation," the statement said.

Turkish Foreign Ministry also offered condolences to U.S. Congressmen and American people over the death of Byrd.


AA