The administration of the Republic of Moldova expressed its regret at the violent fire that gutted Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, IPN reports.

“I transmit our compassion and words of encouragement to President Emmauel Macron and the whole people of France and voice hope that the specialists will manage to restore this masterpiece of the French culture and world cultural heritage,” President Igor Dodon wrote on his Facebook page.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip wrote on Twitter that the Republic of Moldova is solidary with the people of France. “We were completely horrified by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This is a seriously tested icon of French Christianity,” he said.

A catastrophic fire engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in the evening of April 15, altering the city’s skyline and threatening a potent symbol of Catholicism at the start of Holy Week. The fire burned for several hours, destroying the 850-year-old cathedral’s iconic spire and roof before firefighters contained the blaze early Tuesday morning. Officials said invaluable artifacts were saved. A heating system source is blamed for the fire.

The Roman-Catholic church Notre Dame, located in Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of the city, was built in 1163-1345 in Gothic style. Notre Dame is considered a feat of architecture as well as a major religious and cultural symbol of France.