"Putin expressed the hope that the great cathedral will be restored, and suggested sending the best Russian specialists to France, who have extensive experience in restoring monuments of world cultural heritage, including works of medieval architecture," the press service said.
Russian experts are ready to participate in the restoration of the landmark French Notre Dame cathedral, but they have to understand first what kind of assistance France will need, Russian Special Presidential Representative for International Cultural Cooperation and Ambassador at Large Mikhail Shvydkoy told Sputnik.
"This is a huge tragedy, not only for the French, but for all of humanity. [French] President Emmanuel Macron said that the French would turn to all bright craftsmen who live outside France, and, of course, Russian specialists are ready to take part in the restoration of the cathedral, but we must understand what kind of help the French need," Shvydkoy said.
READ MORE: Notre Dame Fire: SHOCK CLAIM Nostradamus Predicted the Disaster
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is prepared to dispatch an emergency expert mission to Paris to assess the damage suffered by the monumental Gothic cathedral Notre Dame in Paris as a result of a severe fire, the agency's director-general, Audrey Azoulay, said on Tuesday.
"UNESCO stands by France in safeguarding and rehabilitating this invaluable heritage. We are already in contact with experts and ready to send an emergency mission to assess the damage, preserve what can be preserved and plan short and medium-term measures," Azoulay said in a statement, published on UNESCO's official website.
The damage assessment will be performed with the participation of French authorities at all levels, according to the statement.
"The assessment will be carried out with the authorities concerned, including national and local authorities, site management and Church authorities, in order to develop a plan of action, avoid further deterioration of the site and recover as many original elements as possible. UNESCO will then accompany and support the authorities in their rehabilitation," the organization added.
The medieval Catholic cathedral, an irreplaceable example of ancient French Gothic architecture, went up in flames in the center of the French capital on Monday evening.
The cathedral was badly damaged in a blaze. Its famous spire collapsed, and its iconic bell-tower has gone up in flames.
