(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar has strongly condemned the bombing which targeted a wedding ceremony in the Turkish city of Gaziantep, resulting in several deaths and injuries.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Qatar 'condemns this criminal act which contravenes all human values and principles and religions, by targeting the innocent civilians”.
The ministry";s statement expressed Qatar";s 'full solidarity with the Turkish Republic and its people and its support for all efforts to maintain security and stability in the country”.
The statement reiterated Qatar";s 'firm stance that rejects violence and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations, and whatever their source or motives”.
It expressed 'sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Turkish government and the people” and wished for a the injured a speedy recovery.
The United States also condemned the bombing in Turkey, with National Security Council spokesman Ned Price saying 'the perpetrators of this barbaric act cynically and cowardly targeted a wedding, killing dozens and leaving scores wounded.”
'We stand with the people of Turkey as they defend their democracy in the face of all forms of terrorism,” Price said in a statement, calling Turkey 'our valued Nato ally and partner.”
US Vice President Biden is scheduled to visit Ankara on August 24.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the perpetrator of the suicide bombing was aged between 12-14.
He said that the child either blew himself up or was detonated.
The attack killed 51 people and wounded 69, including 17 in critical condition.