PHNOM PENH: The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Cambodia has thanked Cambodia for the donations made and support provided to Turkey in light of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on 6 February 2023 and has caused much suffering and loss of life.
In a video shared on the Turkish Embassy’s official social media page on Wednesday, 15 February 2023, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Cambodia, Ülkü Kocaefe, expressed her sorrow and pain in seeing the loss of thousands of lives, many more injured, and unimaginable damage caused in Turkey by the recent earthquake.
She said that during these difficult times, support and prayers from family and friends from all around the world has provided Turkey with great consolation and strength. She added that Cambodia has been quick to respond to the devastation, as a steadfast friend and partner of Turkey.
"On behalf of my Embassy and the Turkish community in Cambodia, I would like to extend my profound thanks for the friendly people of Cambodia, who helped us in whatever way they could, as well as the diplomatic community, for their strong solidarity," she said. "Messages of support and offers of help has been massive. I consider myself lucky to serve in such a big-hearted country.”
The Turkish Ambassador further extended her thanks to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen as well as members of the Royal Government, for sending their condolences and immediate donations for humanitarian relief efforts. She also gave mention to the support provided by the Cambodian Red Cross, under the leadership of First Lady Bun Rany Hun Sen, and the generous donations made by government officials and other dignitaries.
The Ambassador noted that the Turkish Embassy had received donations of more than 4,000 blankets, many more sleeping bags, tons of winter clothes as well as food from various firms and factories. On Saturday last week, the Embassy sent the first batch of in-kind donations of 15 tons to Turkey by air cargo via Bangkok.
The death toll from last week's devastating earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria has now risen to more than 41,000, while a small number of people are still being rescued from the rubble. Many have now been left homeless in the biting winter cold. Countries from all around the world continue to send aid and support.
