# Andrei Karlov

> Soviet and Russian diplomat

**Wikidata**: [Q15068349](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15068349)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrei_Karlov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andrei-karlov

## Summary
Andrei Karlov was a Soviet and Russian diplomat who served as the Russian Ambassador to Turkey from 2013 until his assassination in 2016. Born in Moscow, Karlov held key diplomatic roles in North Korea and the United Nations, earning recognition for his contributions to Russian foreign policy. His career spanned over three decades, culminating in his tragic death during a public event in Ankara.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 4, 1954, Moscow, Soviet Union
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union, Russia
- **Education:** Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)
- **Known for:** Serving as Russian Ambassador to Turkey (2013–2016)
- **Employer(s):** Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Embassy of Russia in North Korea, Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations
- **Field(s):** Diplomacy, International Relations

## Contributions
Andrei Karlov dedicated his career to advancing Russian diplomatic interests. Key roles included:
- **Ambassador to North Korea (2001–2006):** Karlov strengthened bilateral relations during a critical period in North Korean foreign policy.
- **Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2007–2012):** He advocated for Russian positions on global security and geopolitical issues.
- **Ambassador to Turkey (2013–2016):** Karlov played a pivotal role in fostering Russia-Turkey cooperation, particularly in energy and regional security, until his assassination in December 2016.

## FAQs
**Q: What were Andrei Karlov's most notable diplomatic postings?**  
A: Karlov served as Ambassador to North Korea (2001–2006), Permanent Representative to the UN (2007–2012), and Ambassador to Turkey (2013–2016).  

**Q: Where was Andrei Karlov educated?**  
A: He graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), a prestigious diplomatic academy.  

**Q: What awards did Andrei Karlov receive?**  
A: Karlov was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation (posthumously) and the Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Gratitude.  

**Q: How did Andrei Karlov die?**  
A: Karlov was assassinated on December 19, 2016, during a photo exhibition in Ankara, Turkey, by a Turkish police officer.  

## Why They Matter
Andrei Karlov's diplomatic career significantly influenced Russia's foreign relations, particularly in sensitive regions like North Korea and Turkey. His tenure as Ambassador to Turkey coincided with periods of both cooperation and tension, including the reconciliation after the 2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown. His assassination marked a turning point in Turkey-Russia relations and highlighted the risks faced by diplomats in volatile geopolitical environments.

## Notable For
- Posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation (2016).
- Served as Ambassador to three critical diplomatic missions: North Korea, the UN, and Turkey.
- Played a key role in normalizing Russia-Turkey relations after the 2015 crisis.
- Recognized with the Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Gratitude for his diplomatic service.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Andrei Gennadyevich Karlov was born on February 4, 1954, in Moscow, Soviet Union. He graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), a leading diplomatic academy affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This education laid the foundation for his career in international diplomacy.

### Career
#### Diplomatic Roles
- **Ministry of Foreign Affairs:** Karlov joined the Soviet diplomatic corps, transitioning to the Russian Federation's Foreign Ministry after the USSR's dissolution in 1991.
- **Ambassador to North Korea (2001–2006):** During his tenure, Karlov navigated complex relations with Pyongyang, focusing on economic cooperation and security dialogue.
- **Permanent Representative to the UN (2007–2012):** Karlov represented Russia in key UN Security Council discussions, advocating for Russian interests on issues like Syria and Iran.
- **Ambassador to Turkey (2013–2016):** Karlov's ambassadorship saw significant developments, including the 2015 crisis following Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane. He later facilitated reconciliation efforts, including a 2016 meeting between Putin and Erdoğan.

#### Assassination
On December 19, 2016, Karlov was fatally shot by off-duty Turkish police officer Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş during a photo exhibition in Ankara. The attack was widely condemned, and Karlov was posthumously awarded the Hero of the Russian Federation title for his service.

### Legacy
Karlov's career exemplified the challenges and importance of diplomatic engagement in turbulent regions. His assassination underscored the vulnerabilities of diplomatic personnel and led to increased security measures for Russian diplomats abroad. Karlov's contributions to Russia's foreign policy framework, particularly in North Korea and Turkey, remain a cornerstone of his legacy in international relations.

## References

1. assassination of Andrei Karlov
2. [L'ambassadeur russe assassiné à Ankara par un policier turc au nom d'Alep](http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/monde/europe/l-ambassadeur-russe-assassine-a-ankara-par-un-policier-turc-au-nom-d-alep_1862091.html)