UAE expresses solidarity with North Macedonia after nightclub fire

The UAE has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with North Macedonia over the victims of a fire in Kočani town, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy with North Macedonia and its people, and to the families of the victims, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

Thousands of people are demanding justice for 59 people killed in the nightclub blaze.

The fire broke out during a hip hop concert in the town of Kocani in the early hours of Sunday morning when sparks from flares set a patch of ceiling alight. Hundreds of people scrambled for the unlicensed venue's only exit as flames spread across the roof.

Officials said that the "Pulse" nightclub's licence was illegally obtained and that the venue lacked fire extinguishers and emergency exits. More than 150 people were injured.