Turkish aid agency donates 450 relief food packages in Zambia

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - The Turkish state aid agency began distributing 450 relief food packages Tuesday worth $20,000 in Zambia.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Zambia Istem Circiroglu and Gamze Atak Abukan, a representative from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), were present to hand over the first 300 packages, which included maize meal, beans, cooking oil, sugar and rice to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in nation’s capital of Lusaka.

Circiroglu said: “150 more such packages will be delivered to two orphanages, one prison and a home for the disabled. This assistance by the Turkish government through TIKA will be followed by a similar distribution amounting to $25,000 to be ready next month through the Turkish Disaster Relief Agency (AFAD).”

She said another drought relief aid by the Turkish Red Crescent Society amounting to $20,000 will be delivered next month through the Red Cross.

“All these amounting to $65,000 are in response to the call and natural disaster declaration in Zambia by President Hakainde Hichilema. This ceremony is timely for us since this is the month of Ramadan when the Muslim communities are doing our best to share with and care for our brothers and sisters in Zambia,” she added.

DMMU national coordinator Gabriel Pollen described the gesture as a mark of good brotherliness from the people of Türkiye to Zambia.