"I take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to your majesty, families of the victims and the entire Japanese people on this great tragedy," the king said in his message.

Meanwhile, OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu also sent a similar cable of condolences to the Japanese government.

"I am saddened at the destruction of life and properties in Japan after the country was hit by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami on Friday, March 11, 2011," Ihsanoglu said.

He offered his heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Japan, in particular to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones during these natural calamities of unprecedented magnitude.

He said the Muslim World is shocked as well as saddened and would stand by Japan and its brotherly people during their difficult times. He said that the OIC and its member states would be ready to extend any possible assistance in this regard.

He expressed his hope that under the able leadership of the current government, the people of Japan would soon overcome the tragic situation.