SINGAPORE - Singapore is shocked by the attack at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin on Monday (Dec 19), which killed and injured many people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 20).
"We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery. We also express our solidarity with the people of Germany during this period of grief."
Registered Singaporeans in Berlin have also been contacted by the Singapore Embassy there.
The embassy is working closely with the local German authorities to check if there are any Singaporeans affected. There have been no reports so far of any Singaporeans injured in the incident.
MFA advised Singaporeans in Germany to follow the local news and heed the local authorities' instructions.
"They should be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, including avoiding crowded places, and especially the incident site near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. They are also advised to keep in touch with their family and friends so that they know you are safe."
Singaporeans are also advised to e-register with MFA if they have not done so.
Urgent consular assistance can be reached by contacting the Singapore Embassy in Berlin on +49-30- 226-3430, or its duty mobile phone on +49-152-2341-2182. Its e-mail address is singemb_ber@mfa.sg.
They can also contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office on +65-6379-8800 or +65-6379-8855, or via e-mail on mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.
In a Facebook post, Dr Balakrishnan said he was saddened by the news of the deaths at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin, and the killing of Russia's Ambassador to Turkey.
"The attack on the ambassador was vicious and indefensible. It is an assault on the right of diplomats to safely represent their countries. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Russian people," he posted.
Dr Ng meanwhile said he had written to his German counterpart, Defence Minister Dr Ursula von der Leyen, to express deep condolence for the lives taken and injured in the Berlin Christmas Market attack.
He said such episodes "remind us of the constant need for vigilance and that no place is safe until the source of exported terrorism is stopped".
