In his letter, Mr Tabone extended his condolences “to you personally, the Duma, and the Russian people for the recent wave of terrorist attacks that left a considerable amount of people dead and injured.

“My thoughts go also to the victims and their families who have suffered such horrendous acts”.

Malta, as all other peace-loving nations that abide by the rule of law, strongly condemns the acts of cowardice that are being perpetrated on Russian soil, he wrote.

The targeting of civilians, particularly helpless children, should be totally abhorred, Mr Tabone continued.

“I am confident that the government and the people of Russia will overcome this difficult moment and will remain firm in their commitment to defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he said.