Brussels blasts: Shocked world leaders express solidarity with Belgium

From US President Barack Obama to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pope Francis and French President Francois Hollande, the leaders of major nations condemned the bloodbath at the Belgian capital and conveyed their solidarity with the families of the victims.

World leaders expressed shock and grief on Tuesday at the series of bomb blasts at different locations in Brussels that killed several people.

The European and the Belgian national flag set on half staff after terrorist attacks in Brussels in front of the Belgium Embassy in Berlin. (AP)

From US President Barack Obama to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pope Francis and French President Francois Hollande, global leaders condemned the bloodbath at the Belgian capital and conveyed their solidarity with the families of the victims. Here are some of the reactions:

• Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel: “We realize we face a tragic moment. We have to be calm and show solidarity.”
• US President Barack Obama: “The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium.”
• French President Francois Hollande: “Terrorists struck Brussels but it was Europe that was targeted — and all the world that is concerned.”
• French Prime Minister Manuel Valls: “We are at war. We have been subjected for the last few months in Europe to acts of war.”
• US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump: “Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! US must be vigilant and smart!”
• Pope Francis: “I condemn once again the blind violence that breeds so much suffering, and implores the gift of peace from God for all Belgians.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “News from Brussels is disturbing. The attacks are condemnable. Condolences to families of the deceased. May those injured recover quickly.”
• British Prime Minister David Cameron: “This is the latest terrorist outrage and today is a day for sympathy and condolence, for enhancing our own security, for working with our own colleagues and offering them every help we can and making sure we are very clear that we will never let these terrorists win.”
• Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu: “The attacks “have once again shown terrorism’s global face.”
• Statement from Belgium’s royal family: “The King and Queen are devastated by the attacks. The emotional thoughts of the King and Queen go first to the victims and their families and the rescue services which are doing everything possible to help the victims.”
• EU Council president Donald Tusk: “These attacks mark another low by the terrorists in the service of hatred and violence.”
• Peter Altmaier, chief of staff for German Chancellor Angela Merkel: “Terrorists will never win.”
• Dutch King Willem-Alexander: “Europe is being severely tested again. What is necessary now is that we show our collective strength and uphold the values of freedom and solidarity.”
• Salem Al Meslet, of Syrian High Negotiations Committee: “It is with a heavy heart we learned of these ruthless attacks in Brussels. The world must stand united to defeat terrorism.”
• Belgian soccer federation: “Football is not important today. Training cancelled.”
• Russian lawmaker Alexei Pushkov: “It’s time for Europe to understand where the genuine threat is coming from and join efforts with Russia.”

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