No: 297, 15 November 2013, Press Release Regarding the Humanitarian Assistance Delivered to the Philippines

A Turkish delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay visited the Philippines on 11-13 November 2013 to hand over emergency humanitarian relief after the devastating Haiyan Typhoon which caused extensive loss of life and damage in the country.

The humanitarian assistance delivered to the Philippines in a speedy manner thanks to the efficient coordination between the Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Red Crescent comprised 500 units of family tents, 5125 units of blankets and 550 units of family kitchen sets weighing approximately 65 tons. The humanitarian assistance material was handed over to the Philippine Red Cross on 12 November 2013 in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay, AFAD President Fuat Oktay, the Turkish Ambassador to Manila Pınar Işık, Turkish Red Crescent representatives and Philippine officials. Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay also met with Jejomar Binay, the Vice President of the Philippines.

Additional humanitarian assistance for the Philippines is planned by AFAD with the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant Turkish institutions and the Philippine authorities.