Canberra/ Wellington, March 23 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday slammed the "cowardly" terror attacks which rocked the Belgian capital city of Brussels.
The Australian prime minister also said the European Union (EU) let its security "slip" in the lead up to the bombings, Xinhua reported.
Turnbull offered the "most resolute solidarity" to the people of Belgium in the wake of the coordinated attacks claimed by the Islamic State (IS) and admitted Europeans were more at risk than other nations because of the EU's lackadaisical security measures in the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis.
"Australians condemn these cowardly attacks in Brussels and the people of Belgium have our thoughts and our prayers are with them but, above all, our most resolute solidarity," Turnbull told the Nine Network on Wednesday morning.
"We are utterly united, completely united in the fight against terrorism, in the fight against this sort of cowardly violence."
Meanwhile, New Zealand prime minister said New Zealanders are thinking about the people and the government of Belgium.
"We utterly condemn these appalling acts which have killed and wounded so many," Key said in a statement.
"No innocent person should have to worry about such violence when going about their daily lives and New Zealand stands with Belgium in the fight against terrorism," he said.
"Atrocities like this and the recent attacks in Turkey are a stark reminder of why the international community must stand together in the global fight against terrorism."
The blasts, which occurred at the Belgian capital's airport and at the Maalbeek railway station, have killed more than 34 people and injured hundreds.
