Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive and deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support the country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades as well as the coronavirus pandemic.
Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry confirming on Tuesday that it is following with great concern the consequences of Beirut's port explosion.
In a statement, the ministry also affirmed the kingdom's full support and solidarity with the Lebanese people.
The United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, also expressed condolences to the "beloved people in Lebanon."
Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid.
Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions".
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed,
Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement, AFP reported.
"I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected."
Washington said it too would help.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected, and stand ready to offer all possible assistance," a State Department spokesperson said.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities".
Cyprus, too, said it stood ready to offer medical aid to neighboring Lebanon after the massive blast.
"Cyprus is ready to accept injured persons for treatment and send medical teams if required," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides told state broadcaster CyBC.
Tuesday's explosion was heard throughout Cyprus, which lies about 100 miles (160 kms) away.
For its part, Iran also said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary".
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun about the massive explosion and said Turkey was ready to provide humanitarian aid as needed, the presidency said.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's Supreme Defense Council declared Beirut a disaster-stricken city after the massive explosion rocked the capital and recommended the cabinet declare a state of emergency when it meets on Wednesday, according to a statement published sent to Reuters and carried by local media.
The explosion which took place in a port warehouse district killed more than 50 people and injured over 2,500.
