The President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has sent a message of condolence to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Belgium on the sad events of the simultaneous terrorist explosions in Brussels.

More than 30 people are believed to have been killed and dozens injured in attacks at Brussels International Airport and a city metro station early Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

Twin blasts hit Zaventem airport at about 07:00 GMT, with 11 people reported killed; while another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station near EU headquarters an hour later, leaving about 20 people dead.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in her message to His Majesty King Phillipe, King of the Belgians, she expressed deep regrets following the distressing events of possible suicide explosions at the Brussels Airport and subway system, respectively, killing at least 30 individuals and injuring dozens of others. President Sirleaf furthered that Liberia is saddened by the loss of lives resulting from these dastardly acts.

On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, President Sirleaf extended heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Belgium, especially to the families of the victims. “Please accept, Your Majesty, our thoughts and deepest condolences to you and through you to the bereaved families. May God provide you the strength and courage to endure this difficult period,” the Liberian leader indicated.

In a related development, President Sirleaf has also sent a condolence message to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Mr. Joachim Gauck, on the death of former Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Guido Westerwelle.

Dr. Guido Westerwelle (54), died on March 18, 2016. He served as Foreign Minister in the second cabinet of Chancellor Angela Merkel and as Vice Chancellor of Germany from 2009 to 2011. A lawyer by profession, he was a member of the Bundestag from 1996 to 2013.

The Liberian leader, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in her own name, expressed sincere condolences to His Excellency Mr. Cauck, and through him, the people of Germany, especially Dr. Westerwelle’s family and beloved ones.

“At this time of bereavement,” President Sirleaf continued, “please be assured of Liberia’s sympathy with the people of the German Federation,” praying that the Almighty will give them the consolation they most desire at this time.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Ms. Marjon Kamara led an array of Government officials to sign the Book of Condolence for the fallen former German Foreign Minister, Dr. Westerwelle, at the German Embassy near Monrovia on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

Other senior government officials that also signed the Book of Condolence included the Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs, former Foreign Minister George W. Wallace, Jr.; Internal Affairs Minister, Henrique Tokpah; Youth and Sports Minister, Saa Charles N’Tow, among others.