Message from the German Chancellor to Turkey

Speaking about the earthquake in Kahramanmaras, German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz stressed that they support Turkey.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his message of solidarity with a Turkish proverb, said: “According to a Turkish proverb, a true friend comes in bad times. Similarly, in German we say: “A true friend reveals himself in difficult times.” We are true friends. As your friends, we share your pain. As your friend, we will not leave you alone on a difficult day.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a message of solidarity in connection with the February 6 earthquake in Kahramanmaras, which caused great destruction and death of 39,972 people in the surrounding provinces.

In a video message with Turkish subtitles, Scholz said: “Ever since the ground shook in Turkey and Syria early last week, we have been in pain. We were shocked by the number of women, men and children who died in this terrible disaster. We mourn with the families and loved ones of the victims. We share the pain of the victims and wish them a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the survivors. Together with those who suspect that their friends or relatives are under the rubble and are looking for the missing. “To everyone who literally faces the remnants of their existence in these cold winter days and nights.”

“WE GET A BIG THANK YOU”
“We cannot reverse this catastrophe. We can only help in this difficult situation,” Scholz said, adding: “In fact, Germany is helping. From the day of the earthquake, rescue and medical teams from all over our country moved to the disaster area. Our relief organizations are sending heaters, generators and medicines. We wish them strength in this vital task. Initiatives were quickly put forward by groups of citizens, often spontaneously by relatives and friends. They organize relief, collect donations or winter clothes for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. We are deeply indebted to all of you for your help at a difficult time.”

Scholz said, “You have built a bridge of compassion in a very short time. You have created a bridge of solidarity between our countries, which are so close to each other in human terms. After all, about 3 million of our compatriots in Germany are of Turkish origin, and most of them are from Hatay and Gaziantep, which have suffered greatly. Many of them have family roots in Syria. They all mourn with the victims of the earthquake in the disaster area and worry about their friends and family members there.”

“A REAL FRIEND SHOWS YOURSELF ON A DIFFICULT DAY”
In his message of solidarity, Scholz continued: “According to a Turkish proverb, a true friend comes in hard times. Similarly, in German we say: “A true friend reveals himself in difficult times.” We are real friends. As your friends, we share your pain. As your friend, we won’t leave you alone on difficult days.