There was an emotional reaction to the Brussels bombings from European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini speaking in Jordan’s capital, Amman.

Fighting back tears, she cut short a news conference saying: “It’s also a very sad day for Europe, as Europe and its capital are suffering the same pain that this region has known and knows every single day, be it in Syria, be it elsewhere.

“We are still waiting for more precise news on the dynamics of the attacks in Brussels, but it is quite clear that the roots of the pain we are suffering around our region are very much the same, and that we are united, in not only [the] suffering of our victims, but also reacting to this act and preventing radicalisation and violence together.

She then said: “I will stop here, you will understand this, today is a difficult day.”

Mogherini was speaking at a joint news conference with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh.

After calling a halt to questions, she started crying and was comforted by Judeh, who earlier had expressed his country’s strong condemnation of what he called “these criminal, terrorist acts”.

He also said: “We stand with you today and with our friends in Europe and with all peace loving nations.”

Heinous attacks in #Brussels this morning. Total solidarity with our friends in #Belgium and #EU, families of deceased. Prayers with injured — Nasser S. Judeh (@NasserJudeh) March 22, 2016

In her opening remarks, Mogherini had praised Jordan’s stance against Islamic extremists.

Mogherini had arrived in Jordan from Lebanon.

She was due to visit the Zaatari refugee camp in the north of Jordan and meet with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Abdullah Nsour.