World reacts to terror attack in France

ANKARA (AA) – Reactions from across the globe began pouring in late Thursday after a terror attack struck the southern French city of Nice, killing scores.

At least 80 victims were killed and many injured when a truck ran over crowds during Bastille Day celebrations.

Shortly after news of the tragedy broke, U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the attack “in the strongest terms”, saying Washington stands in “solidarity and partnership” with its oldest ally.

“On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world,” he said in a statement, “and we know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life.”

Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik also said he "condemn the horrible terrorist attack in Nice France in the strongest possible terms.

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families," he said on Twitter.

"Terror is always brutal wherever or in whatever form or with whatever motives it attacks on humanity," he said. "We should all unite against it."

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council also used social media to express his thoughts.

"Tragic paradox that the subject of Nice attack was the people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity,” he said via Twitter.

Tusk was attending an Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Mongolia when he learned about the terror attack. He said European and Asian leaders also discussed terrorism and regional cooperation at the summit.

Following the attack, Italy tightened security along its land border with France, the country's interior minister Angelino Alfano said in a statement.

Alfano said he called the counter-terrorism committee for an emergency meeting.

Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Nice and Europe were affected horribly by the attack.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel too shared on Twitter a message of solidarity with France.