The United Nations is ready to provide help to Japan, where tsunamis have inflicted devastation and deaths, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday, dpa reported.
"On behalf of the United Nations, I want to express my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Japanese people and government, most especially those who lost family and friends in the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis," Ban said.
"The UN stands by the people of Japan, and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time."
He said that Japan has been one of the UN's strongest supporters.
"I sincerely hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Kan Naoto and the full support and solidarity of the international community, the Japanese people and government will be able to overcome this difficult time as soon as possible," Ban said.