Spotlight: World leaders condemn terrorist attacks in Brussels

World leaders strongly denounced the terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday and expressed their condolences, calling for concerted efforts to fight against global terrorism.

At least 34 people were killed in explosions on Tuesday at Brussels airport and on a city subway train, according to the latest numbers published by Belgian media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a letter of condolences to King Philip of Belgium, condemning the attacks and saying the crime has no justification.

"Fighting this evil requires a most active international cooperation," Putin said in the letter, while expressing confidence that the killers and their accomplices would be punished.

In the meantime, Ukraine has tightened security measures against possible terrorist acts following the deadly explosions.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has issued a travel warning for Brussels and advised its citizens to avoid public places when staying in Belgium.

Meanwhile, Indonesia also condemned the bombings. "The Indonesian government and people convey its deepest condolences to the people and government of Belgium, especially to the victims and their families," said a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The statement also said Indonesia strongly condemns terrorism and violent activities for any reason, and called on the international community to increase partnerships in tackling radicalism and terrorism.

Vietnam on Tuesday also strongly condemned the attacks in Brussels. According to Le Hai Binh, spokesperson of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Vietnam wishes to share in the big losses that the Belgian government, people and families of the victims are suffering."

In a statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said: "The government of Malaysia strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Brussels."

"These cowardly attacks are a reminder of the need for countries to unite and counter threats posed by extremism," Prime Minister Najib Razak said via Twitter.

The Pakistani government also condemned this terrorist act in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the government and the people of Belgium.

"Pakistan sympathizes and offers its condolences to the bereaved families and the Belgian government and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured in the terrorist attack," said a Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a press release that terrorism does not differentiate between religions, races or borders.

"The world should take a firm stand to tackle the international terrorism that targets the security and stability of nations and hinders the progress of human civilization," he said.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani also expressed sympathy with the government and people of Belgium. "The explosions in Brussels today, have proved that terrorists are the common enemy of human beings and do not recognize any border."

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, "I curse the attacks in Brussels, which have once again shown the global face of terror."

Davutoglu added "I invite all of humanity to stand united against global terror and any sort of terrorism."

Meanwhile, Syria's Foreign ministry said that the attacks in Brussels, in Paris and elsewhere are reminders that terrorism has no boundaries, urging the international community to do more to counter the threat of terror and stop the flow of support to the jihadi groups in Syria.

At the same time, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop released a statement condemning "the coordinated terror attacks" in Belgium. She said in the statement that "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Belgium."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his outrage on the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

"Canada stands by Belgium in this difficult time and will continue to work closely with our allies and the international community to help fight and prevent terrorism here and abroad," he said. Endi