Qatar said it has mobilized all capabilities to help the victims of last week’s twin deadly earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria.
“Qatar has put all its capabilities at the disposal of the brothers in Turkey to support them after the earthquake disaster,” Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.
“The world faces a major humanitarian catastrophe in Türkiye and Syria. This is a real test for all humanity,” he added.
Al-Ansari, an adviser to the foreign minister, said rescue and relief efforts are “a major priority at present.”
“The Qatari role will continue during the various stages of this crisis as long as it’s needed,” he added.
Al-Ansari hailed the rapid and intensive international response to the earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria.
“This broad global solidarity is an indication that countries of the world can put aside political complexities and economic challenges to deal with a disaster of this magnitude,” he said.
“We affirm that Qataris support all international efforts to help those affected and alleviate the impact of the disaster that befell them,” he added.
Al-Ansari went on to call on all countries and institutions “to provide as much support and assistance as possible to alleviate the suffering of the earthquake victims."
“Every minute that passes without more aid arriving may mean the loss of a precious life,” he said.
Al-Ansari said the Qatari response to the earthquake disaster was quick.
“His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani contacted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and expressed full solidarity with Türkiye and its people in this crisis,” he said.
“The Amir also directed the operation of an air bridge that included a search and rescue team consisting of 120 people, 12 vehicles, integrated equipment, three field hospitals, and a medical team,” he added.