The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the terrorist attacks in Volgograd, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin.

Distinguished Mr. President,

With profound sadness and bitterness I received the news of the terrorist attacks in Volgograd, the Russian Federation, and I sincerely regret the loss of lives in this criminal act.

In these sad moments for you, for the citizens of your country and the families of the victims and the wounded, let me extend, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, deepest condolences. I would like to assure you that the Macedonians, in their thoughts, are with you and the friendly Russian people.

Mr. President , this dreadful act, and, in general, all cowardly acts of terrorism aimed at sowing fear and sense of insecurity, with innocent people as victims, will not waver us in our persistence in preserving the shared human and civilization values and gains. On the contrary, this global challenge requires a global response, cooperation and mutual support.

Please, Mr. President, convey the expressions of sympathy to the families of the victims.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov