Yoon Condoles at Turkish Embassy in Korea: "We Will Do Our Best to Help"

President Yoon Emphasizes 'Brother Nation Turkiye' in Condolence Book
Promises Additional Rescue Team Deployment
Ambassador Tamer: "Will Never Forget" Expresses Gratitude

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol said on the 9th, "Our country will do its best to help the people of Turkey overcome despair and sorrow and stand up again."

President Yoon visited the Embassy of Turkey in Seoul Jung-gu at 2 p.m. that day to mourn the victims of the massive earthquake and conveyed this message to Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer, the Turkish Ambassador to Korea, according to Lee Do-woon, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office.

In the condolence book, President Yoon wrote, "The Republic of Korea will stand together so that the people of Turkey, our brotherly nation, can rise from sorrow and despair to courage and hope."

President Yoon then told Ambassador Tamer, "I received a report from our rescue team dispatched to Antakya that the local situation is very tragic and difficult, but they are doing their best in rescue operations," adding, "After a certain period, we will send additional rescue personnel so that the current team can be rotated."

He also explained to Ambassador Tamer that various support efforts to help Turkey are being made not only by our government but also by the private sector.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, Ambassador Tamer expressed his gratitude, saying, "Turkey feels brotherhood toward the Korean government and people who helped us when we needed it most. We will never forget this."

President Yoon said, "Please be sure to convey my encouragement to President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of Turkey," and Ambassador Tamer replied that he had received a message from President Erdo?an asking him to convey thanks and regards to President Yoon.

Regarding the rescue of a man in his 70s who was trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in Antakya, Turkey, by the Fire Department's international rescue team earlier that morning (local time), and who is now receiving treatment from domestic medical staff, President Yoon was very pleased and praised and encouraged their efforts, the spokesperson said.

In this regard, President Yoon urged the international rescue team, saying, "Turkey is our brotherly nation and blood ally," and "Please do your best to ensure that the warm brotherhood of our people is well conveyed to the Turkish people."

Meanwhile, the Presidential Office participated in a 'national fundraising campaign' to help victims in the Turkey-Syria region. All staff, including President Yoon, actively participated in this fundraising, raising 32.61 million won, which was delivered to the Korean Red Cross on the same day.

[Image source=Yonhap News]