Egypt extended its condolences on Monday to the government and people of "the friendly nation of Russia", following a fire at a shopping mall in the Russian city of Kemerovo which left 64 people dead.

"The government and the people of Egypt stand by the government and people of Russia during this tribulation," the foreign ministry statement added.

According to Reuters, the fire is one of the deadliest in Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

It "swept through the upper floors of the mall where a cinema complex and children's play area were located," Reuters added.