President Barzani visits earthquake-affected areas in Turkey

GAZIANTEP, Turkey - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani visited the earthquake-affected areas in Turkey to meet with the rescue teams and express his condolences and support to those affected. 

President Barzani visited the towns of Nurdagi and Islahiye in Gaziantep (Dilok in Kurdish), offering his sympathies and reiterating the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to assist Turkey in overcoming this tragedy.

“Today we have come to convey our condolences to the people and government of Turkey. Your pain is our pain, your disease is our disease. When we needed help, the government and people of Turkey always opened their doors. We have come here today to show our loyalty and sympathy,” said Barzani in a presser.

The Kurdistan Region President visited camps housing survivors of the tremor in Nurdag, where he was welcomed by the governors of Sirnak and Mardin.

Following his visit to the quake-hit areas, Barzani headed to Ankara where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, extending his condolences and reiterating the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to supporting Turkey.

Erdogan expressed his gratitude for Barzani’s visit, as well the humanitarian aid Kurdistan Region rapid response units have been providing in Turkey during this crisis, according to a statement from Barzani’s office.

Locals, as well as the aid teams sent from the Kurdistan Region, expressed their appreciation for Barzani’s visit.

A destructive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Kurdish city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey last week, with its impact also ripping through neighbouring Syria. The confirmed death toll from both countries has surpassed 41,000.