BEIJING, May 23 -- World leaders have expressed their condolences after a blast killed at least 22 people and injured 59 others at a music concert Monday night in Manchester, northern England.
United Nations(UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned the "horrific" terrorist attack in Manchester, expressing his deep sympathy and solidarity to the British people and government and hoping those responsible would be swiftly brought to justice.
"The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery," said a statement released by his spokesperson.
Chinese President Xi Jinpingon Tuesday sent a condolence message to British Queen Elizabeth II over the explosion in Manchester, expressing deep sorrow over the innocent victims and his sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the victims killed in the suicide bombing.
The Chinese people stand firmly with the British people at this difficult time, Xi said.
Also on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiangsent a condolence message to British Prime Minister Theresa May over the explosion, extending his deep condolences over the victims killed in the incident and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims killed and the injured.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Tuesday offered sympathy to Britain after the blast in Manchester.
In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Juncker said: "It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instill fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration."
"Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putinsent a condolence message to British Prime Minister May on Tuesday to "strongly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime" and expressed readiness to step up anti-terrorist cooperation with Britain.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen on Tuesday condemned the terror attack at the music concert held at Manchester Arena and offered his condolences to the victims.
U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken over the phone with British Prime Minister May over the terrorist attack in Manchester and offered assistance in investigating the incident, the White Housesaid in a press release on Tuesday.
British Queen Elizabeth II has condemned the terror attack in Manchester and expressed sympathy to the people affected by the attack, especially the families and friends of the victims killed or injured.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday expressed compassion and solidarity with Britain after the attack.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Tuesday called for increased vigilance after the attack at Manchester, while expressing solidarity with the British government and people.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday issued a statement, mourning the victims killed in the terrorist attack in Manchester and noting Kenya would stand with British Prime Minister May in the fight against extremism.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday expressed his sympathy via Twitter to British Prime Minister May.
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili issued a statement on Tuesday, saying "the Georgian government and people unconditionally condemn any forms of terrorism."
Margvelashvili said: "In these trying times, on behalf of the Georgian people and myself, I extend my condolences to the families of victims and express support to the government and the people of Great Britain."
British police said on Tuesday that the explosion was conducted by a lone suicide bomber, and it occurred at the end of a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande, as fans were making for the exits.
It was the second deadly attack in Britain within two months. On March 22, at least four people were killed and 40 others injured in a terror attack near the British parliament.
