CIDCA takes media questions on China’s emergency assistance to Turkiye, Syria for earthquake relief

Zheng Yuandong, deputy director-general of the First Department of Regional Affairs of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), took media questions on the latest developments of China's emergency humanitarian assistance to Turkiye and Syria in response to the earthquake.

According to him, China has been carrying out support and assistance to the two countries in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. The first batch of China-aided supplies to Turkiye arrived in Istanbul on Feb 11 and 12, which included the urgently needed blankets and tents requested by Turkiye. Other supplies, including electrocardiograph machines, ultrasonic diagnostics, medical transport vehicles, and manual hospital beds, will be shipped out within the week. Till now, Chinese rescue teams have saved over 10 survivors, he said.

As for Syria, Zheng said that the Chinese government is speeding up the implementation of supply aid to the country, which includes 30,000 first aid kits, 20,000 blankets, 10,000 winter coats, 300 tents, as well as ventilators, anesthesia machines and oxygen generators. They are also speeding up the ongoing food assistance programs, where the 220 tons of wheat are currently on the way to Syria and the remaining 3,000 plus tons of rice and wheat will be shipped out in batches this month. The first batch of medical supplies aided by China's Red Cross Society to Syria has arrived in Damascus, according to him, and the second batch of supplies will leave Beijing on Feb 13. They include living supplies, such as tents, relief kits and coats, as well as urgently needed medical supplies, which will benefit over 10,000 people in the disaster-hit area, he added.  

Zheng said that China will work with the international community to actively support and help the Turkish and Syrian people overcome the disaster and rebuild their homelands.