Speech by the Head of EU Delegation to Türkiye on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition “Stronger Together” 9 May 2023
Ankara, 9 May 2023
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Dear Deputy Minister,
Excellencies, dear colleagues, distinguished guests,
We are gathered here today to celebrate a joyful occasion, our minds and hearts cannot leave Hatay, Kahramanmaras, and the other provinces struck by the devastating earthquakes of last February.
Our minds and hearts are still with the millions of people who have been affected by this tragedy, especially those who lost their families, friends and loved ones.
Our minds and hearts are still with the thousands of people who sprang to action from Türkiye and all around the world to rescue and save those who were still alive; to heal and give shelter to those who lost everything.
As you know, the European Union and its Member States were among the first to assist Türkiye.
In the early hours, first. Following the swift activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, more than 1,600 European rescuers rushed to the affected provinces where they worked tirelessly for weeks.
A few weeks later then, in March, in the context of the International Donors’ conference convened in Brussels. Together with the international community, we have raised billions to support the people in Türkiye and Syria. More than half of the pledge comes from Europe.
Dear Turkish friends, rest assured that we will continue supporting you in the months and years to come, on the path of recovery and reconstruction.
We celebrate Europe day today together with our Turkish friends with the exhibition “Stronger Together”. This exhibition pays tribute to the heroes of the rescue and medical teams who helped the people of Türkiye.
It highlights the bravery and dedication of those who saved lives and supported the victims in the most challenging and tragic circumstances.
Our immense, heartfelt gratitude goes to each and every one of them and to our Turkish friends and partners who supported their work. Together, we have demonstrated the best of humanity, professionalism, and the importance of international cooperation and solidarity.
I would like to thank the photographers and videographer who have contributed to this exhibition. You have immortalised the courage and sacrifice of those who put their lives on the line to save others. A picture is worth a thousand words, and you have brilliantly captured moments we sometimes struggle to describe.
Thank you all for coming today, I hope you will enjoy the exhibition.
9 May Europe Day celebrated with the theme of solidarity with the people of Türkiye.
Speech by the Head of EU Delegation to Türkiye on the occasion of Europe Day 9 May 2023
Video- Opening of the Exhibition “Stronger Together”
EU DEL Türkiye