Abu Dhabi: The UAE condemned the explosion that erupted outside a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Thursday as an act of terror.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed the UAE’s denunciation of such acts of terror and reiterated the country’s principled rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.

In a statement, the ministry affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Somalia against violence and extremism, calling upon the international community to close ranks and collectively stand up against the resident evil of terrorism which threatens international peace and security.

The ministry expressed the country’s condolences for the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.