The Minister of Emergency Situations of Russia, Alexander Kurenkov, extended his condolences to Armenia in connection with the explosion that took place at the Surmalu shopping market in Yerevan. He announced this at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Emergency Situations of the CSTO member countries, RIA Novosti reports.

At the beginning of the meeting, a minute of silence was observed to respect those who died as a result of the aforesaid explosion.

"As you know, on August 14, there was an explosion in a Yerevan shopping center, as a result of which there are casualties and injured. We extend our sincere condolences to the Armenian side regarding this tragic event. August 18 has been declared a day of mourning in Armenia (...). I propose to honor the memory of the casualties with a minute of silence," Kurenkov said.