Guyana is set to donate US$50,000 each to Turkey and Syria to assist with recovery efforts following the devastating impact of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday (February 6).

Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a press statement on Wednesday (February 15) that the country’s contributions to both countries would be done through the United Nations.

“The Government of Guyana has since taken a decision to contribute the sum of US$50,000 to Türkiye and US$50,000 to Syria to aid the relief efforts under way,” the ministry said.

The statement outlined that Dr Irfaan Ali, president of Guyana, wrote to the presidents of both countries to show his support and solidarity to their nations after the earthquake.

“Following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck Türkiye and neighbouring Syria on February 6, 2023, resulting in thousands of fatalities, injuries to civilians and destruction to infrastructure, H.E. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali immediately wrote to the Presidents of both countries, conveying solidarity and support on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana,” the ministry noted.

The ministry further stated that the Secretary-General announced that US$397 million was needed to address humanitarian concerns over the next three months, up to May 2023, in priority areas such as shelter, healthcare, food and protection.