Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed total solidarity with France in the wake of the terror attack on Nice. Germany stands by France's side in the fight against terrorism, she said, on the periphery of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in the Mongolian city of Ulan Bator. "And I am completely convinced that we will win this fight, despite its many difficulties."

All participants at the ASEM were united in their disbelief at the 'mass murder attack' in Nice. She expressed her sympathies with French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault, at the meeting, said Merkel. "Words can hardly describe what connects us to our French companions in this troubling time." France was hit by terror on a national holiday, a day which is "a day of pride and has now become a day of great sadness".

According to current insight, a man drove a lorry into a crowd of people in Nice during the firework display commemorating the French national holiday. He also fired several shots from a pistol before being shot by police. At least 84 people were killed and dozens more injured.

Sign of sorrow

The ASEM--ASIA-EUROPE MEETING began on Friday in Mongolia with a minute of silence for the victims of the attack. Government representatives from the around 50 participating states, including the German Federal Chancellor, stood up at the opening of the two day conference in Ulan Bator to honour the victims.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also appeared upset. "A day dedicated to joy and pride in the French nation ended in tragedy and the meaningless deaths of many people", he said. Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel tweeted: "Terrible pictures of Nice have reached us here. Our thoughts are with the families and friends."

Federal Minister of the Interior, Thomas de Maizière, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the nation on 15 July to show Germany's condolences.

Close cooperation with French security authorities

The Federal Police has increased its security measures following the attack in Nice. The checks and monitoring measures at the internal borders to France, as well as at German airports and railway stations with connections to the neighbouring country have been intensified, said Federal Minister of the Interior, Thomas de Maizière, on Friday (15 July) in Berlin. The Federal Police is also advising France on its border checks. All in all, the German security measures have been continually adapted to suit the situation.

The Federal Minister of the Interior said that the German and French authorities are working closely together. France is receiving all the support it needs. This attack has once again shown how real the threat of 'Islamic terror attacks' in Europe is. The security authorities are doing everything in their power to prevent attacks in Germany. "Unfortunately there can be no guarantee that this will always succeed."