The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev extended his condolences to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze following a tragic fire in the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, which claimed the lives of five minors.

In his message, President Aliyev stated, “I share your grief and extend my heartfelt condolences to you, the families and loved ones of the children who lost their lives, and the entire people of Georgia on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan.”

The tragedy occurred on Sunday when a house in the village of Saberio caught fire, resulting in the deaths of five children from a single family.

In response to the incident, the Georgian government declared Thursday a national day of mourning. Flags on state institutions across the country were lowered to half-mast in honor of the victims.