Vucic extends condolences to Japan over deadly earthquake

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic extended condolences to Japan on Tuesday over a deadly earthquake in the country's Kumamoto Prefecture, and added that Serbia had offered assistance and stood ready to provide any support to friendly Japan.

"I received with great concern the news of the powerful earthquake that struck Japan's island of Kyushu. On behalf of the citizens of Serbia and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, and the people of Japan. I sincerely hope those still missing will be found and rescued, and I wish the injured a swift recovery," Vucic posted on X.

"Serbia has offered assistance and stands ready to provide any support needed to our friend Japan. In these difficult moments, our thoughts are with the people of Japan," he concluded.

Earlier in the day, the Japanese PM said 13 people were confirmed dead after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture and that rescue efforts continued.