Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences on Sunday to Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah Sisi after dozens were killed in the bombing of the Boutrosiya church near the Coptic cathedral in Cairo's Abbasiya district.

"I am shocked by the hideous terrorist attack that took place in Cairo, especially by the deaths of women and children," Putin said in a cable, carried by the Kremlin press office, adding his thoughts went out to bereaved families.

Sputnik quoted Putin as saying the bombing put an emphasis on the need to combat international terrorism, which seeks to disrupt peace between religious sects. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to stand by Egypt in the fight against terrorists.

Source: MENA