Erdogan says Turkey 'feels Belgian people's pain'

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement of support to Belgium on Tuesday following a series of bomb blasts in Brussels.

“Turkey stands by Belgium in these hard times,” he said in a message issued by his office. “Our people, who were exposed to terrible attacks by different terrorist organizations, deeply feel the Belgian people's pain and share it.”

Attacks at Belgium’s Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station, close to EU institutions, killed 34 on Tuesday morning, according to public broadcaster VRT. The explosion at the metro station left 20 people dead, as VRT reported.

Turkish President also referred to recent deadly terrorist attacks in capital Ankara and Istanbul as he stressed terrorist organizations "know no humane or moral bounds" in their attacks, and are all the same in the methods they use.

“After the attacks of the PKK in Ankara and Daesh in Istanbul - killing tens of people a short time ago - the terrorists targeting Brussels showed once again that they do not have limits and have no human values and morals with regards to their terrible methods as they have no difference to each other,” Erdogan said.

He added: “The atrocious attacks in Brussels obviously show terrorism cannot be a fight for freedom and we should fight against all types of terrorism together.”

Erdogan further emphasized Ankara's readiness to give any kind of support to its "ally Belgium" as his country pursues its "resolved fight" against all terrorist organizations.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement condemning the attacks.

“These vicious attacks in Brussels - at the heart of Europe - have once again targeted the civilized world and global values,” the statement said.

“We once again point out that we are ready for any type of support to our ally Belgium in its fight against terrorism,” it added.

The notice also said Turkey would “maintain solidarity with its allies and the international community”.

Erdogan and King Philippe have phone call over Brussels attack

Erdogan called on Tuesday Belgium King Philippe to express Turkey's support for Belgians against terrorism, the Turkish Presidency announced.

Erdogan offered his condolences to King Philippe, condemning the recent terrorist attacks in capital Brussels which left at least 34 people killed and more than 170 wounded, the presidency said.

Refering to the recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul and Ankara, Erdogan said in the phone call to King Phillippe that Turkey shares the Belgians' pain and is in solidarity with Belgium.

According to the statement, King Phillippe pointed the joint fighting against terrorism and thanked Erdogan for his support and awareness.