Erdogan Urges Islamic World to Support Albania

Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdoğan, has indicated that after the news of the earthquake, he has twice talked to Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, and it has been reported that the death toll from the earthquake has reached 26, the Anadolu Agency (AA) reports.

He made this statement during the speech at the opening of the 35th meeting of the Organisation for Economic and Trade Co-operation Committee (COMCEC) of the Islamic Development Organisation.

Erdogan wished that Allah's mercy be upon the victims, while the wounded wished a quick recovery.

After the news of the quake yesterday, I twice talked with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. We wished the past”, Erdoğan said.

He indicated that the Albanian prime minister, last night, has announced that the death toll has increased to 26 while those to around 600.

Of course the cities were seriously destroyed. There is something for us here, we need to organise a meeting of donors, because regarding the collapsed buildings, I think we should be close to Albania, which is particularly the task of the Islamic Development Organisation. I think it's very useful to take this step. This is a brotherhood task”, the Turkish president stressed.

Erdoğan also voiced confidence that his country and all countries participating in this meeting will help Albania in these difficult moments.

Turkey's president, informing about Turkey's aid, said:

We quickly sent our cargo planes, the Turkish Red Halfage, We sent AFAD to Albania. One after one of our convoys is going to the region. I believe even humanitarian aid trucks will arrive during the day. We understand Albania very well as a country that has previously been affected by major earthquakes. All of us have to stay close to Albania, whether in offering medical treatment to the injured or those whose homes have been destroyed or damaged. We're in winter season. We need to predict what state our brothers there can be in this cold” season.

I'm here through you all over the Islamic world asking them to support Albania”, Erdoğan ordered.

We remember that Albania was hit yesterday by two powerful epidex earthquakes in Durres at 3:55 p.m. with a magnitude of 6.3 on a depth of 10km and later with a magnitude of 5 on the Cape of Rhodes.

According to current data provided by Albanian authorities, the number of victims from the earthquake that hit Albania has already reached 24, while over 650 people have been injured and nearly 50 others have been rescued from the ruins.