President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message of condolence to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following the fatal crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft near Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, carrying 67 passengers and crew, crashed whilst attempting an emergency landing two miles from Aktau on December 25. The flight had been diverted from its original Baku-Grozny route due to adverse weather conditions.

Of those aboard, 29 survived the incident, whilst 38 lost their lives. The passengers included citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Initial reports suggest a possible bird strike may have contributed to the crash.

In his message, President Dr Muizzu expressed profound shock at the tragic incident and conveyed his deepest sympathies to the government and people of Azerbaijan. He specifically acknowledged the survivors who now face the aftermath of this devastating event.

The President also expressed his hopes for the successful completion of ongoing recovery efforts at the crash site.