Sir, - In the early hours of August 17th, a devastating earthquake hit the Marmara region in north-western Turkey, taking a very heavy toll in human lives and causing widespread destruction.
Thousands were lost, thousands were wounded, thousands were left homeless and in need.
As we started dealing with the tragic humanitarian consequences of this astounding calamity, we were gratified to see that our national mobilisation was being supported by a large-scale international relief effort including search and rescue teams, firefighters, doctors and medical teams.
The people of Turkey are deeply grateful for Ireland's timely assistance and for its moral and material support in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster. Ireland's generous and humane gesture in our most difficult and painful days will always be remembered.
We also would like to thank AIB and Bank of Ireland for their kind assistance in collecting and promptly transmitting the donations of the Irish people to the central fund in Turkey established for the victims.
Now we are faced with the immediate task of providing temporary shelter for thousands of our homeless citizens that will give them shelter through the coming winter months. We are undertaking a major reconstruction effort to build new earthquake-resistant, permanent homes for them. We are determined to heal the wounds of the destruction caused by this catastrophe within the shortest possible time and fully restore and renovate the infrastructure in the disaster zone.
We trust that you will continue to stand by us.
We are profoundly thankful to you for your solidarity.
We shall not forget the helping hand you have extended to us in our hour of need. - Yours, etc.,
Gunaltay Sibay, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, Dublin.