Guyana donates US$100,000 to aid recovery efforts in Syria, Turkey

The Government of Guyana has pledged US$50,000 each in assistance to Syria and Turkey which were severely hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake earlier this month.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation noted that the contributions will be channeled through the United Nations.

“The Government of Guyana has since taken a decision to contribute the sum of USD50,000 to Türkiye and USD50,000 to Syria to aid the relief efforts underway,” the statement noted.

According to the statement, President Dr Irfaan Ali wrote to both countries, conveying solidarity and support on behalf of Guyana following the devastating earthquake.

“Following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck Türkiye and neighbouring Syria on February 6, 2023, resulting in thousands of fatalities, injuries to civilians and destruction to infrastructure, H.E. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali immediately wrote to the Presidents of both countries, conveying solidarity and support on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana,” the statement noted.

It added that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday issued an appeal for humanitarian funding to bring urgent relief to approximately five million Syrians. The Secretary-General is expected to make a similar appeal for Turkey shortly, the statement said.

“The Secretary-General announced that $397 million is needed to address humanitarian concerns over the next three months, up to May 2023, in priority areas such as shelter, healthcare, food and protection,” the statement said.