Erdogan: Turkey stands with Lebanon amid blast in Beirut

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top Turkish officials expressed sorrow after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut, leveling a three-story building and leaving many wounded.

In a phone call, Erdogan extended his condolences to his counterpart Michel Aoun and the Lebanese people, Turkey's Communications Directorate said in a statement.

Erdogan said Turkey stands by Lebanon and is ready to provide all humanitarian assistance, mainly healthcare, to the Lebanese people.

He also published a message in Arabic on Twitter.

"I offer my condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the explosion at Beirut Port and I wish them patience and stamina from Allah. I wish immediate healing to the injured. We will always stand by Lebanon and our Lebanese brothers," he wrote.

Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay also conveyed his condolences to the Lebanese people, adding Ankara was ready to help.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in a tweet wished Allah's mercy upon the victims of the blast.

"Condolences to the brotherly and friendly people of #Lebanon. Hoping there won’t be any more losses. Ready to assist our Lebanese brothers & sisters in every way," Cavusoglu said.

Also, Omer Celik, the spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said that they are standing with the people of Beirut in this difficult hour.

Turkey's Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said they will stand beside the brotherly country of Lebanon and that Turkey shared its pain.

"Although the reason for the explosion in Beirut is not finalized, there are many dead and wounded," said Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop.

Sentop also wished a speedy recovery for the two Turkish citizens who were injured in the explosion and added that Turkey, just like it did with other countries, will come to Lebanon's aid.

A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport district on Tuesday, sending a shockwave that ripped through residential areas of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars. More than 100 people were killed in the blast, more than 4,000 people were injured.