Djuric: All hearts shaken by tragedy in North Macedonia

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Wednesday all hearts in Serbia, the Balkans, Europe and beyond were shaken by the sad, indescribable tragedy in Kocani, North Macedonia, and that, through concrete moves and actions, Serbia had immediately stood with brothers in North Macedonia.

At a press conference before a meeting with North Macedonian counterpart Timco Mucunski, Djuric said all forms of assistance had been sent to North Macedonia on orders from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to help save lives.

"A large number of patients are at our health care institutions and our doctors were on the ground to help those who are the most endangered," Djuric said.

"There is nothing Serbia will not do help the people affected and our brothers. Dear Timco, the thoughts and prayers of our citizens are with all the victims," he told Mucunski.

North Macedonia can count on Serbia a hundred percent - this is not just a humanitarian issue but a reflection of a true friendship, Djuric said.

Mucunski said Serbia had been among the first countries to come to assistance and that Vucic had been one of the first leaders to call North Macedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski to offer help, as well as that Djuric had called him immediately after the tragedy.

"As a state and a nation, you have shown solidarity. You - your doctors - have shown dedication and sacrifice. You have provided support and logistics and sent medical experts. I am sincerely grateful," Mucunski said.

At least 59 people died and around 200 others were injured in a deadly disco club fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, last weekend.

Twenty-nine patients have been hospitalised in Serbia.