Geneva (ICRC) – Peter Maurer, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), today completed a two-day visit to Turkey, which he made at the invitation of the Turkish Red Crescent Society. He discussed issues of humanitarian concern with Ahmet Lutfi Akar, the president of the Turkish Red Crescent, and joined him on a visit to camps in Gaziantep hosting Syrian refugees.
"This visit is an important milestone in the development of the relationship between the ICRC and the Turkish Red Crescent, which has been doing significant humanitarian work in connection with the influx of Syrian refugees," said Mr Maurer. “The response to the plight of the refugees is impressive but, clearly, this cannot be a lasting solution."
The ICRC is expanding its operational response for displaced Syrians and for refugees throughout the region, in particular by providing support for health care and by upgrading water facilities. It is taking action in close partnership with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies concerned and in coordination with the relevant governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations. "We are ready to expand our cooperation and to support Turkish Red Crescent activities carried out for Syrian refugees in Turkey," added Mr Maurer.
The ICRC president was also received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey. President Maurer highlighted Turkey’s growing role in humanitarian action across the world. "The ICRC has long-standing relations with Turkey and the Turkish Red Crescent," he said. "We appreciate the contributions of the Turkish Red Crescent and its internationally recognized role in responding to humanitarian challenges."
For further information, please contact:
Anastasia Isyuk, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 30 23 or +41 79 251 93 02