ANKARA — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has congratulated the Christian community of Turkey as it marks the Easter fest.

Erdoğan said: "Turkish and Christian citizens lived together for centuries and we shared our joy and sadness. I wish peace to all Christian citizens on the occasion of Easter, which we aware is very important for Christian believers."

In a second Easter congratulatory address, Parliament Speaker Cemil Çicek said: "I wish all Christian citizens in Turkey celebrate Easter in bliss."

"Different religions in Turkey have coexisted peacefully in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust for centuries and played a crucial role in the establishment of such universal values as humanism, solidarity and tolerance in our society."