World leaders express 'solidarity' with Brussels after terror strikes

Published March 22, 2016
Rescue teams evacuate wounded people outside the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels on March 21, 2016 after a blast at this station located near EU institutions. ─ AFP
Rescue teams evacuate wounded people outside the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels on March 21, 2016 after a blast at this station located near EU institutions. ─ AFP

In the aftermath of the multiple explosions on Brussels' airport and subway station which killed at least 28 and injured dozens Tuesday morning, governments and leaders spoke out in sympathy and condemned the attacks.

In solidarity, the Pakistani embassy in Brussels also cancelled scheduled celebrations for Pakistan Day on March 23.

Explosions, at least one likely caused by a suicide bomber, prompted a lockdown in the Belgian capital and heightened security across Europe.

Belgian premier Charles Michel condemned the attacks after coordinating a city-wide emergency response plan with the interior ministry.

The European Union Parliament ─ just down the street from the Maalbek station where the third blast occurred ─ also posted an update.

French President Francois Hollande held an emergency meeting after the explosions and expressed his "full solidarity" with the Belgian people, saying all of Europe has been hit by the attack on Brussels.

The mayor of Paris also tweeted to express her full solidarity with the people of Brussels and announce that the Eiffel Tower will be lit in the colours of the Belgian flag.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani also condemned the attack, while Indian prime minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his condolences.

In an official statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I am outraged and deeply saddened by the news that so many have been killed and injured in terrorist attacks targeting the people of Brussels, Belgium. He also tweeted,

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