BERLIN, March 11 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday pledged to aid Japan which was shaken by a massive earthquake and tsunami that caused widespread damage and numerous deaths.
"Germany is sure to stand beside Japan at this tragic moment and has been ready to help," Merkel said in a telegram sent to Japnese Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
Merkel said she was shocked by the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami and sent her sincere condolences to the victims and families who lost relatives in the disaster.
President Christian Wulff also wrote to Japanese Emperor Akihito on Friday saying "Germany stands at your side at this difficult time."
Earlier in the morning, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said that Germany will offer help if Japan needed it.
"If help is required, Germany will of course help our partner country of Japan," he said.
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's northeastern Honshu island Friday, the strongest temblor the country has seen in 140 years. It was followed by a 10-meter tsunami that destroyed everything on its path. 
