BRATISLAVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Slovakian politicians expressed sorrow Tuesday over the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, saying the fire was an enormous cultural loss for France.
Slovakian President Andrej Kiska said on Facebook that the destruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in the fire is a national tragedy, bringing losses to not only French people but also Europe and the whole world.
"It's as if parts of our own stories disappeared in the flames," he said, adding that he sent a message of condolences to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
He also said he hoped the cathedral will be soon rebuilt to its former glory and he will gladly join the national collection initiated by Macron.
Slovakian President-elect Zuzana Caputova also grieved for Notre Dame Cathedral, tweeting, "I am heartbroken by the sight of Notre-Dame Cathedral burning. Slovakia stands with Paris and France tonight."
Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said any catastrophe that destroys the work of people is regrettable.
"I am very saddened to see flames over Notre Dame. This is a huge loss to the whole humanity. I pray the firefighters stop this disaster as soon as possible," he tweeted.
The Notre Dame Cathedral fire broke out at around 1700 GMT on Monday, causing the spire and roof collapsed, with no casualties reported.
Visiting the burnt site on Tuesday, Macron launched a fundraising campaign and vowed to rebuild the cathedral within five years.
