In response to the tragedy in North Macedonia, where more than 50 people lost their lives in a fire at a nightclub in the town of Kočani, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev offered condolences and assistance to the families and relatives of the victims, the Foreign Ministry said.

In a telephone conversation with his Macedonian counterpart, Timčo Mucunski, Georgiev expressed hope for a speedy recovery of the injured and underlined Bulgaria's readiness to assist in their treatment in Bulgarian hospitals.

Timčo Mucunski, for his part, informed Georgiev of the measures being taken by the North Macedonian authorities to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

"Bulgaria has already offered its assistance in the form of treatment for those injured in the fire. I have ordered full readiness for their admission to clinical facilities in Sofia and Varna. The Bulgarian Air Force is ready to transport those who need treatment, if necessary," the prime minister said.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov is the latest Bulgarian politician to send his condolences to the families of the victims. "In the most difficult moments, we stand together and that is why I offered my colleague the help and assistance that Bulgaria can provide," he said after a phone call with Prime Minister Kristian Mickoski.

In a message posted on X, President Rumen Radev expressed Bulgaria's solidarity with the citizens of North Macedonia following the tragic fire in Kočani.

Speaking to his North Macedonian counterpart Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Radev offered his condolences to the families who had lost loved ones. "I am in contact with Prime Minister Zhelyazkov and Bulgaria is ready to provide medical assistance," Radev said.