Tanzania donates $1 million to Turkey

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has donated $1 million (Sh2.3 billion) in aid to Turkey following a devastating earthquake that hit the European country on February 6, 2023.

A 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria, causing widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities.

More than 50, 000 were reported dead as a result of the earthquakes, in Turkey alone 44,218 people died, the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said, while the latest announced death toll in Syria was 5,914.

General Yacoub Hassan Mohammed, Tanzania's ambassador to Turkey, handed over the aid on behalf of the government to the executive director of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD).

The envoy also used the opportunity to convey President Samia Suluhu Hassan and all Tanzanians’ condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people following the damage caused by the earthquake.

The donation from Tanzania to Turkey follows a similar gesture when the government donated $1 million to flood-hit Malawi.

The Tanzanian government sent humanitarian assistance to Malawi on March 20, following the devastating tropical cyclone Freddy that wreaked havoc in the southern African country.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has killed close to 600 people in Malawi and Mozambique and left thousands displaced.

The assistance to the neighbouring country from Samia's administration includes; $1 million (Sh2.3 billion) cash donation, two heavy-lifting military choppers,100 servicemen and women,1,000 tonnes of food,6,000 blankets, mattresses, medical supplies, and tents.

Malawi and Tanzania maintain close diplomatic and economic ties, with President Samia and her predecessor, Magufuli, meeting with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera on multiple occasions.