(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ANKARA, Aug 16 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Ambassador to Turkey Ghassan Al-Zawawi took part in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the tragic Izmit earthquake, which struck the Sea of Marmara region in 1999.
The commemoration was held at the Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) headquarters in the northwestern province of Kocaeli's Golcuk, Kuwaiti embassy said in a statement on Friday.
Inviting Al-Zawawi to participate in the event is a gesture of appreciation by the Golcuk municipality to Kuwait's humanitarian contribution and aid to Turkey in the quake's aftermath, it added.
For his part, Al-Zawawi expressed, in his speech, Kuwait's sympathy and sorrow over victims of the tragic incident, reiterating its keenness to support all humanitarian activities and efforts around the world as part of its foreign policy.
He also recalled the international appreciation of Kuwait's humanitarian activities worldwide that resulted in the UN's naming His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as "Leader of Humanitarian Action", the first-ever title in history given to a state leader, and Kuwait as "Center for Humanitarian Action".
Furthermore, the Kuwaiti diplomat stressed the importance of Kuwaiti-Turkish relationship and cooperation in regional issues and humanitarian activities.
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) granted a USD 53 million-worth loan to Turkey to reconstruct a road network connecting housing units, built post the 1999 Izmit earthquake.
KFAED granted another loan amounting USD 28.3 million to rehabilitate the quake-damaged infrastructure in the Marmara Sea region.
His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has personally donated USD one million as a humanitarian contribution to provide relief for victims of the devastating earthquake, and help alleviate their suffering.
Moreover, several Kuwaiti philanthropic societies provided relief, aid, and financial support to the quake victims.
A devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara region of Turkey on August 17, 1999, and caused death to over 17,000 people. (end) rs.ma
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