President of Moldova Igor Dodon addressed a message of condolence to the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in connection with the New Year’s armed attack at an Istanbul nightclub that resulted in dozens of people killed and injured, IPN reports.

“During these painful moments, in the name of the Republic of Moldova and in my name, I ask you to transmit the compassion of my people and the sincerest condolences to the families of those who were killed. Our thoughts are also directed at those hurt. We wish them rapid recovery,” said Igor Dodon.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration also issued a press release whereby it firmly condemns the Istanbul terrorist attack. It reiterates the Moldovan authorities’ commitment to fight all forms of terrorism and reasserts the necessity of combining international efforts to combat these.

Representatives of Moldova’s embassies in Ankara and Istanbul made approaches to the local authorities to determine if Moldovans were among the casualties.

Aaccording to foreign press reports, an assailant believed to have been dressed in a Santa Claus costume opened fire at a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year’s celebrations. A number of 39 persons were killed, while 69 were injured. The assailant hasn’t been yet identified.