Rescuers were working on collapsed apartments with heavy equipment as a worldwide relief effort promised food, search teams and equipment for the disaster zone. AFP
Cambodia announced that it has donated $100,000 in humanitarian assistance to Turkiye (formerly known as Turkey) as part of the ongoing relief efforts to rescue victims of a recent earthquake.
In a February 8 press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that Cambodia was saddened to learn the news of the loss of thousands of lives with tens of thousands injured as well as extensive damage caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit its southeastern provinces on February 6.
“[We] extend our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the government and people of Turkiye, especially the bereaved families, and the best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and the affected areas.
“In the spirit of close friendship, solidarity and hardship alleviation with the government of Turkiye, [we] make a humble contribution of $100,000 in humanitarian aid to assist in the ongoing relief efforts,” it said.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said on February 8 that helping one another in times of hardship is virtuous, especially because Cambodia has also received valuable assistance over the years.
“This is a good gesture for the image of Cambodia on the international stage. I think that more or less, Cambodia showed sympathy for Turkiye in this difficult time,” he said.
Similarly, ASEAN expressed its heartfelt sympathies for the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to properties caused by the earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria.
“ASEAN affirms its solidarity with the governments and peoples of Turkiye and Syria in these trying times and stands ready to extend its assistance to the relief efforts,” it said in a February 7 statement.
AFP reported that by the afternoon of February 8, the death toll from the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria had risen to over 8,700 while rescue workers were still racing to reach trapped survivors.
Citing officials and medics, it said at least 6,234 people had died in Turkiye and 2,470 in Syria, bringing the total to 8,704.
Cambodia inaugurated its embassy in Turkiye in February, 2022, in the presence of foreign minister Prak Sokhonn during his two-day official visit.
