Belgium and the EU Saturday condemned the attack in Malian capital Bamako last night that claimed the lives of five people, including a security officer of Belgian nationality working for the EU Delegation in Mali.
"This act only reinforces the importance of concluding a peace agreement in Mali so that law, order and security can be ensured throughout the country," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement.
"The EU gives its full support to those efforts through all the means at our disposal. This terrorist act strengthens even more our resolve to help fight terrorism throughout the region. It is important that all communities in Mali, local and foreign, can live in peace and security," she added.
On his part, Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders expressed his shock by the attack in a restaurant in Bamako, terming it as a "terrorist" act.
Reynders in a statement condemned "this cowardly attack" and hoped that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice.