The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the terrorist act in St. Petersburg.

Distinguished Mr. President,

It is with deep sadness and sense of indignation that I received the news of the explosion at the metro in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, and I sincerely regret the loss of lives in this tragic act.

In these sad moments for you, for the citizens of your country and the families of the victims, allow me, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend my deepest condolences and wish the injured a speedy recovery. I want to assure you that the Macedonian citizens are in their thoughts with you and with the friendly Russian people.

I strongly condemn the violence that took place in St. Petersburg and truthfully hope that, while the Russian Federation goes through these difficult times, the entire international community will work together in the fight against the evil and will thus intensify the existing cooperation against terrorism.

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

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov