Turkey thanks Vietnam for earthquake aid
Turkey highly appreciated Vietnam’s emergency aid and dispatch of soldiers to support rescue efforts for earthquake disaster, its ambassador said.
Turkey thanks Vietnam for earthquake aid
Vietnamese rescue workers take part in earthquake relief efforts in Turkey on Feb. 11, 2023. Photo of the rescue team
Vietnam’s dispatch of a rescue team to Turkey and emergency aid of US$100,000 to overcome the consequences of the earthquake disaster “is a testament to the friendly and cooperative relationship, as well as the spirit of mutual support in difficult times of the two countries,” Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Haldun Tekneci said on Friday as he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.
The Turkish government and people were touched by Vietnam’s affection and support, Tekneci said.
The ambassador affirmed that Turkey attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam and will make every effort to promote bilateral cooperation, he said, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested Turkish agencies continue to create favorable conditions and ensure the safety of the Vietnamese rescue team as well as Vietnamese citizens living in the country.
The minister also said that Vietnam is willing to participate in the reconstruction of areas affected by the earthquake disaster in Turkey.
Vietnam military on Feb. 11 dispatched 76 soldiers to Turkey to aid with rescue efforts following deadly earthquakes in the Turkey-Syria region after 24 Vietnamese rescuers and medical workers from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security had flown to Turkey to help search for victims following the devastating earthquakes.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Feb. 14 sent a letter to the Presidents of Turkey and Syria, announcing that Vietnam will support each country US$100,000 to in earthquake aid.
The death toll in Turkey and its neighbor Syria has passed 45,000 after two weeks. Thousands of others are still stuck under debris of collapsed buildings.
The death toll in Turkey now stands at 39,672, making it the worst disaster in modern Turkish history. But this number is expected to shoot up given some 264,000 apartments were destroyed in the quake and many people are still unaccounted for, Reuters reported Saturday.
The United Nations on Thursday appealed for more than $1 billion in funds for the Turkish relief operation, and has launched a $400 million appeal for Syrians, said the report.