Thursday, 9 February 2023, Berlin, Chancellery of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye: In view of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, Premier Hendrik Wüst expressed his condolences to the Turkish Ambassador to Germany, Ahmet Başar Şen. Premier Wüst expressed his condolences to all people who have lost relatives and friends or who fear for the lives of their loved ones. The NRW premier signed the book of condolence, and exchanged views with Ambassador Başar Şen on the current situation in the earthquake region.
As per statement below written in the German language, Premier Hendrik Wüst said: “I am deeply moved by the terrible images from the earthquake region. Our thoughts go out to the many victims, the bereaved and the numerous injured. There has been a special bond between North Rhine-Westphalia and Türkiye for decades. Many people in North Rhine-Westphalia are worried about relatives and friends in the earthquake region and are eagerly waiting for signs of life. We stand by our Turkish friends in this difficult hour.
Premier Wüst continued: “The affected regions now need, above all, fast and effective aid. We will do everything in coordination with the federal government to provide this aid. Aid organisations from North Rhine-Westphalia have also already arrived in the crisis areas – I am very grateful for their great commitment. It is now important that we all help the people affected and support the work of the relief organisations. Every donation helps to alleviate the plight of the people on the ground.”
The premier reiterated his support for the appeal for donations by “Aktion Deutschland hilft” (Action Germany helps) and “Bündnis Entwicklung hilft” (Alliance development helps). In addition, the State Chancellery is providing financial support to the two North Rhine-Westphalian organisations Help e.V. and Action Medeor e.V. for initial emergency relief measures.
Nearly one million people with Turkish roots and half a million people with Turkish citizenship live in North Rhine-Westphalia, many of whom are in great concern for friends and family in the affected areas.
For further information
Government of North Rhine-Westphalia: https://www.land.nrw/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-hendrik-wuest-trifft-den-tuerkischen-botschafter-ahmet-basar
