Atlanta, USA (CNN) – US President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, offered his condolences and support to Turkey and Syria after they were hit by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake earlier this week.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Turkey and Syria,” Biden said while speaking to union members in De Forest, Wisconsin, in his first remarks about the devastating earthquake.
“We regret the loss of so many lives and offer our deepest condolences,” he added, commenting on the horrific images of parents pulling children from under the rubble and the mounting death toll from the earthquake: “Our thoughts are also with the survivors who were torn apart by this tragedy.”
The US President indicated that he spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and provided him with “full support,” as well as rescue teams.
On Syria, Biden said the United States continues to support relief partners with equipment and assistance in search and rescue missions, adding that the United States is “the main donor in all parts of Syria, regardless of who controls the region.”
He concluded his remarks by saying, “When it comes to saving human lives, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people of Turkey and Syria at this time.”
