In honor of the victims and those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs alongside with the Albanian diplomatic missions around the world have lowered the flags to half-mast, as a sign of respect and solidarity.

Albania is grateful for the help provided by the people and government of Türkiye during the earthquake of November 26, 2019, and February 13th has been declared a day of national mourning in the country. For several days now, a team of 80 members of the Armed Forces, doctors and rescue experts have joined the humanitarian operation in Türkiye.

Thousands of people lost their lives as a result of this tragedy. Fortunately, none of the victims is an Albanian citizen. The Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of Albania in Türkiye remain in constant contact with the Turkish authorities, while helping families to connect with their relatives in Albania and Türkiye, as well as to facilitate their transportation from the areas of the tragedies to a safer zone.

A few days ago, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, signed the book of condolences for the tragedy that happened in Türkiye at the Turkish embassy in Tirana, emphasizing that Albania’s assistance to Türkiye will continue.