 "Photo credit: AFP")
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday expressed the "strongest" condemnation over the series of terror attacks in Paris on Friday night.
"At the sorrowful moment of the French people, I, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and personally, condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric acts," Xi said in a message of condolences to his French counterpart Francois Hollande.
US President Barack Obama spoke to France’s President Francois Hollande shortly after the attacks took place, and reiterated his country’s “steadfast, unwavering support for the people of France, our oldest ally and friend, and reaffirmed the offer of any necessary support to the French investigation”, according to a White House statement.
"The two leaders pledged to work together, and with nations around the world, to defeat the scourge of terrorism," the statement added.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "shocked" after at least 140 people were reported killed in multiple attacks in Paris, including one near the Stade de France sports stadium.
"I am shocked by events in Paris tonight," Cameron tweeted. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help."
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also assured solidarity with France as he condemned the terrorist attacks. A statement from the President’s office said that Egypt supports the efforts of international community in fighting terrorism that kills innocent people without differentiation across the world and doesn't know any limits or religions.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said she was shocked by the Paris attacks. In a statement, she said “My thoughts in these hours are with the victims of these apparently terrorist attacks, their relatives, and all people in Paris.” She also said that her government was in touch with France and has expressed the sympathy and solidarity of the people in Germany.”
In India, leaders across the political spectrum condemned the attacks.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed deep shock and anguish on the deadly terror attack in Paris.
Calling it "mindless barbarism devoid of any values", Sonia Gandhi said nothing can justify such violence, according to a Congress party tweet.
Rahul Gandhi added: "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of France in this hour of grief and anguish. Terror cannot defeat freedom and liberty. It will only strengthen our resolve to fight against this senseless violence."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the UK, also spoke out against the attacks, saying the "news from Paris is anguishing and dreadful".
"News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people ofFrance in this tragic hour," Modi tweeted soon after the attacks took place.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee also tweeted that “India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out its people”, even as he “strongly condemned the attacks.
