The centuries-old traditions of good neighbourliness and mutual assistance that bind the Turkmen and Turkish peoples have, more than ever before, revealed the full extent of their humanist nature today. In this tough time for the brotherly Turkish people brought on by the natural disaster, the Turkmen thought it their duty to be "near relatives" and support their earthquake-affected brothers and sisters.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat on February 8, two days after the earthquake, and expressed his condolences to the representatives of the brotherly country. The Hero-Arkadag conveyed his deepest sorrow and support to the grieving families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Arkadag affirmed that the Turkish people would receive the necessary assistance at this trying moment, quoting the Turkmen saying, "The one who expresses solidarity is indestructible."
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye in Turkmenistan Togan Oral recently made a press statement detailing the humanitarian aid initiatives delivered by brotherly Turkmenistan to the disaster region in support of the earthquake victims.
Oral stated that Turkmenistan was among the first nations to lend a helping hand to Türkiye's earthquake victims, particularly highlighting the unprecedented act of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, who visited the Embassy of the brotherly country and signed the Condolence Book. Oral added, “This visit has bolstered our spirits during these difficult times.”
Oral detailed the humanitarian aid sent by Turkmenistan to the quake-hit region, stating that on February 7, 2023, Turkmenistan dispatched seven physicians, three healthcare staff, and 30 tonnes of medication and medical supplies to Gaziantep; and that on February 10, 2023, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charity Foundation delivered 92 tonnes of medicine, medical supplies, clothing, and food items to the region for children affected by the earthquake. Under the coordination of the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat through the National Society of the Red Crescent of Turkmenistan and the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, seven tents, six mobile toilets, 60 heaters, 20 generators, 667 beds, 6835 blankets, and a total of 23.45 tonnes of clothing, sanitary products, and food were delivered to the quake-stricken area by aircraft arranged by Turkish Airlines and trucks supplied by Turkmen logistics companies. Oral stated, "The generous Turkmen citizens and our citizens have donated over 3 million TL to the bank account opened by our embassy."
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Oral, on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, extended his thanks to President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan for the support and brotherly solidarity shown during this difficult time, as well as applauding the generous people of Turkmenistan, its public institutions and organisations, its private industry and the Turkish citizens residing in Turkmenistan, Turkish companies operating in Turkmenistan, and their executives and employees.