Turkey assures solidarity with US in COVID-19 fight

ISTANBUL

The Turkish president assured “all means of solidarity” with the US in “combatting the coronavirus outbreak and normalization process after the pandemic.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to his US counterpart Donald Trump together with the medical aid Turkey sent to the US on Tuesday to support the country’s fight against the coronavirus as it confirmed over one million cases.

“I wish this humble aid we sent will support your struggle against the pandemic and contribute to recovery of your people infected with the coronavirus,” Erdogan told Trump.

The Turkish leader also assured his US counterpart that Turkey will stand as “a reliable and strong ally” during and the aftermath of the pandemic crisis.

"I am following your resolute struggle to contain the outbreak in the US with appreciation and I am very pleased that you have started to take the first step towards normalization by seeing a downward trend in the number of cases after the measures you have taken.

"Thus, in addition to the materials that we previously allowed to be exported, today we are sending a batch of aid to the US, this time with an aircraft belonging to our air forces, consisting of medical supplies that the American people urgently need," Erdogan said.

The president underscored his belief that continuing cooperation in the post-pandemic world and acting in close coordination and partnership will be extremely important and beneficial in the implementation of reforms and regulations required by the global order, especially in restoring the international economy.

"I think that we need to take advantage of the positive environment created by our cooperation, which became stronger and diversified in times of the pandemic, in order to advance the Turkish-US bilateral ties in every field and to realize the potential of our countries in the most effective way, particularly our target for $100 billion trade volume."

He emphasized that recent developments in the region concerning Syria and Libya showed how important it is to maintain the Turkish-US alliance and cooperation in the strongest way.

Erdogan said he hoped that the US Congress and media understand the strategic importance of bilateral relations better and act in accordance with the understanding required by joint struggle.

The president conveyed his condolences on behalf of Turkey for the fellow US citizens who lost their relatives and friends to COVID-19.

"I express my sincere love and greetings, wishing the continuation of our close cooperation in this struggle that we will successfully conclude together," he said.

Prepared under the instructions of Erdogan and by Turkey's National Defense Ministry, the medical aid included 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, 400 N-95 masks and 500 face shields, according to the Turkish presidency.

Turkey has helped at least 57 countries, including Italy, Spain and the UK, and it still remains the world's third largest provider of humanitarian aid during the pandemic.