Afghan President calls for joint action against terrorism, condemns Istanbul attack

Condemning the terrorist attack on Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport that left scores of people dead and dozens wounded, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani today expressed solidarity with the people of Turkey and called on world leaders to be united in their fight against terrorism.

"President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani was deeply saddened by the terrorist attack at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey that killed and injured a number of innocent people last night," Khaama Press quoted statement released by Ghani's office, as saying.

"Condemning the terrorist attack, the President said that the people of Afghanistan feel the pain and suffering of the people of Turkey more than others as we have been the victim of terrorism for years," a statement by added.

Asserting terrorism as great threat for the security of the region and the world, Ghani called for joint action by all countries against the heinous phenomenon.

"President Ghani offers his deep condolences and sympathies to the people and government of the Republic of Turkey, families of all the victims, and wishes speedy recovery for those injured," the statement added.

The Turkish officials had earlier said at least 36 people were killed and over 140 others were wounded after a group of suicide bombers attacked the airport last night.

Though no group has so far claimed responsibility behind the attack , Turkish officials said that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group could possibly be behind the attack.