SINGAPORE: Singapore has offered condolences to Türkiye and Syria over the deadly earthquake that struck the two countries on Monday (Feb 6).
The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake had topped 2,300 by Monday evening Singapore time.
“The Singapore Government conveys its deepest condolences to Türkiye and Syria over the devastating disaster,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement accompanying letters from Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts.
“MFA has reached out to eRegistered Singaporeans in the affected areas.”
In his letter to Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu, Dr Balakrishnan wrote: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and the people of Türkiye for the tragic loss of lives and injury arising from a series of strong earthquakes that struck south-eastern Türkiye on Feb 6, 2023.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their loved ones during this difficult time, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
“I am confident that Türkiye will recover from this tragedy rapidly and emerge stronger.”
Türkiye is known officially as the Republic of Türkiye.
In his letter to Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad, Dr Balakrishnan wrote: “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the people of Syria who have been affected by the devastating earthquake that struck south-eastern Türkiye and northern Syria on Feb 6, 2023.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives, and I hope the injured will make a swift recovery.”
Singaporeans who require assistance in the region can contact the Singapore embassy in the Turkish capital of Ankara or the Singapore honorary consulate-general in Istanbul, MFA said. They can also contact the 24-hour MFA duty office.
Singapore Embassy in Ankara
Tel: +90 312 442 4330 / +90 530 066 7331 (after hours)
Singapore Honorary Consulate-General in Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 339 1852
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855