Kuwait partakes in commemorating earthquake anniversary
ANKARA: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Turkey Ghassan Al-Zawawi took part in an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the tragic Izmit earthquake, which struck the Sea of Marmara region in 1999. The commemoration was held at the Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) headquarters in the northwestern province of Kocaeli’s Golcuk, Kuwaiti embassy said in a statement on Friday. Inviting Zawawi to participate in the event is a gesture of appreciation by the Golcuk municipality to Kuwait’s humanitarian contribution and aid to Turkey in the quake’s aftermath, it added. Meanwhile, Zawawi expressed, in his speech, Kuwait’s sympathy and sorrow over victims of the tragic incident, reiterating its keenness to support all humanitarian activities and efforts around the world as part of its foreign policy. He also recalled the international appreciation of Kuwait’s humanitarian activities worldwide that resulted in the UN’s naming His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as ‘Humanitarian Leader,’ the first-ever title in history given to a state leader, and Kuwait as ‘Humanitarian Center.’
Furthermore, the Kuwaiti diplomat stressed the importance of KuwaitiTurkish relationship and cooperation in regional issues and humanitarian activities. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) granted a $53 million-worth loan to Turkey to reconstruct a road network connecting housing units, built post the 1999 Izmit earthquake. KFAED granted another loan amounting $28.3 million to rehabilitate the quake-damaged infrastructure in the Marmara Sea region. His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah has personally donated $1 million as a humanitarian contribution to provide relief for victims of the devastating earthquake, and help alleviate their suffering. Moreover, several Kuwaiti philanthropic societies provided relief, aid, and financial support to the quake victims. A devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara region of Turkey on August 17, 1999, and caused death to over 17,000 people. — KUNA