The Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, in the wake of the recent terrorist attack that struck a concert venue near Moscow.
Armed assailants stormed the Crocus City Concert Hall in Moscow on March 22, perpetrating the deadliest attack since the Beslan school siege two decades ago. The tragic incident, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and numerous injuries, has elicited widespread condemnation from the international community. Russia's State Investigative Committee revealed the attack claimed the lives of 133 individuals.
In a message addressed to Minister Lavrov, Minister Zameer conveyed the strong condemnation of the Government of Maldives towards the cowardly act of terrorism. He emphasised the solidarity of the Maldivian people with their Russian counterparts during this time of immense grief and distress.
The message further expressed the Government of Maldives strongly condemns the terrorist attack at a concert venue near Moscow, which has caused the loss of innocent lives and injuries to many.
Furthermore, Minister Zameer extended profound sympathies to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured in the heinous attack. He assured that the thoughts and prayers of the Maldivian government and its people remain with the Government and the citizens of the Russian Federation during this challenging period.
Meanwhile, in response to the attack, Russia announced on Saturday that it had apprehended all four gunmen suspected of carrying out the shooting massacre at the concert hall. President Vladimir Putin pledged to track down and punish those behind the attack, revealing that a total of 11 individuals, including the four gunmen, had been detained.