His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has consoled his counterpart, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, following a twin-earthquakes in the early hours of Monday 6th February 2023.

President Julius Maada Bio stated in a Letter of Condolence that Sierra Leone and Turkey were truly friendly countries, therefore he said he sympathised with the Government and people of Turkey, saying that he strongly believed the resilience Turkish people would recover from that tragedy and build a great nation.

“I pray for God’s merciful judgment on the departed, and for their souls to rest. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.” President Bio assured.

One of the most powerful twin earthquakes ever recorded in Turkey of a large-scale destruction wrought by 7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes struck, 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi Gaziantep province, near Syrian border, at a depth of 24.1 kilometer (14.9 miles); killing thousands while leaving many displaced.

In a similar development, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has joined colleague diplomats and other mourners to sign a Book of Condolence at the Turkish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, in honor of those who died following Monday’s earthquakes in several cities in Turkey.

Ambassador Rashid Sesay said he was saddened to learn of the magnitude of the earthquakes that claimed thousands of lives while leaving many homeless.

He noted that the high level of global response to provide rescue and humanitarian support since the incident showed that the country is perceived positively across the world.

Turkey is home to a large number of Sierra Leoneans and a popular trading destination for many. The transcontinental nation is also a strategic development partner to Sierra Leone collaborating in several fields, particularly in the aviation sector.