The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has expressed sympathies and condolences to the Japanese government and people, following Friday's devastating earthquake.

He said, "The world is shocked and saddened by the images coming from Japan this morning. On behalf of the United Nations, I want to express my deepest sympathies, and heartfelt condolences, to the Japanese people and government, and most especially to those who lost family and friends in the earthquake, and subsequent tsunami."

Ban adds that he hopes Japan will be able to overcome this catastrophe as soon as possible, under the leadership of Prime Minister Naoto Kan, and with the full support and solidarity of the international community. He also says the global body will mobilize humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, in the wake of the magnitude 8.8 tremor, and devastating tsunami.