Latin America stands in solidarity with Türkiye after powerful earthquakes

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Following the destructive earthquake of magnitude 7.8 that has killed at least 1,500 and injured more than 8,500 people across 10 provinces of Türkiye, leaders in Latin America extended condolences and offered their support.

The earthquake was also felt strongly in other neighboring countries in the region, including Syria.

Mexico

Mexico expressed its condolences and solidarity to Türkiye for the deaths, injuries and damages caused after the deathly earthquake.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the government of Mexico, extends its condolences to the Turkish people for the damage and the regrettable human losses caused by the earthquake in the south of the country. We express our solidarity in these difficult moments," the statement read.

El Salvador

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, sent a message of solidarity to the Turkish people and said he is working with his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “to overcome this tragic event.”

“El Salvador prays for the safety and well-being of the Turkish people following the strong earthquake in southern Türkiye,” Bukele published a message in Turkish on his Twitter account. “My government is ready to provide all necessary assistance to its government.”

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic expressed on Monday its "deep condolences" to the people and government of Türkiye.

"Our solidarity with the brotherly Turkish people," Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez said on Twitter.

Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also joined in extending condolences over the loss of lives in Türkiye and Syria.

“We are deeply concerned about the news coming from Turkey and Syria, following an earthquake of great magnitude. Brazil expresses its solidarity with the people of the two countries, with the families of the victims and all those who lost their homes in this tragedy.”

Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro condoled the loss of life in Türkiye and Syria and said that the country stood in solidarity with both nations.

Argentina

The president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, expressed “his solidarity” to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts.

“Argentina stands in solidarity with the peoples and governments of Türkiye and Syria after the earthquake that caused a tragic number of victims,” Fernandez posted on Twitter.

Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed his condolences “to the families of the victims” of the earthquake

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria, affected by several earthquakes that unfortunately leave human losses, injured and missing,” he posted on Twitter.

President Erdogan said Türkiye was shaken by the "biggest disaster" since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake in the last century.