CIDCA vice-chairman meets with ambassadors of Turkiye, Syria to brief on China’s emergency assistance measures

Deng Boqing, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), met with Ambassador of Turkiye to China Abdulkadir Emin Önen, and Ambassador of Syria to China Mhd. Hasanein Khaddam, respectively on Feb 7 and 8, to brief on China's emergency humanitarian assistance measures to the two countries in response to the earthquake.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkiye in the early hours of Feb 6, causing heavy casualties and damage to property in both Turkiye and Syria. The Chinese president has sent messages of condolences to the heads of state of both countries.

Deng said the Chinese government wasted no time in initiating its emergency humanitarian assistance to Turkiye and Syria. China will provide 40 million yuan ($5.90 million) of emergency assistance to Turkiye, including the dispatch of heavy urban rescue teams and medical teams, as well as urgently needed relief supplies. To Syria, Deng said that China will provide 30 million yuan of emergency assistance, including $2 million dollars in cash and urgently needed supplies, and is speeding up the implementation of the ongoing food aid programs. Among them, 220 tons of wheat is on its way to Syria, and the remaining 3,000 tons of rice and wheat will soon be shipped in two batches.

The CIDCA is in close contact with the relevant departments of Turkiye and Syria to ensure the timely implementation of the aforementioned assistance, said Deng, adding that the Chinese government will continue to provide assistance to Turkiye and Syria within its capacity, in light of the development of the disaster situation and the actual needs.

Önen and Khaddam extended their appreciation to the Chinese government and people, saying that China has played a key role in their disaster relief by lending a helping hand in their hour of need, and they will forever bear in mind the profound friendship from the Chinese people.