Europe News Desk!!! The international community has pledged 7 billion euros ($7.5 billion) for Turkey and Syria, where a devastating earthquake earlier this month killed more than 57,300 people. The conference for the people of Turkey and Syria was jointly hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christerson on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. More than 60 delegations met in Brussels to rally support for those affected by the March 6 earthquake. The European Commission said a total of 6.05 billion euros would be provided to Turkey in the form of grants and loans, and 950 million euros to Syria.
More than 50 percent of the grant (3.6 billion euros) will come from the European Commission and EU member states, as well as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. After the incident, von der Leyen said, “Today is a great day for international solidarity.” We have shown people in Turkey and Syria that we are supporting those in need. Together we have exceeded expectations with a pledge of 7 billion Euros. “We will continue to work together to help those affected by the earthquake… We now need to support survivors to rebuild their lives,” he said. I invite all countries to contribute.
–IANS
World News Desk!!!
PK/CBT