Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his support to Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the earthquake near Istanbul, according to a statement from Akorda.
President Tokayev sent a telegram of support to Erdoğan in connection with the earthquake in the Marmara Sea region and Istanbul.
"Relying on the strong bonds of centuries-old friendship, brotherhood, and strategic partnership between our countries, I reaffirm Kazakhstan’s readiness to provide comprehensive support and assistance to the Turkish people," the President’s telegram stated.
A powerful earthquake struck Istanbul on April 23 at 12:49 PM. According to Turkey Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the tremors were felt in the provinces of Istanbul, Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, and Balıkesir. There were no reports of casualties or damage in Istanbul following the quake.
Later, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus urged citizens to be prepared for an earthquake that is already “at the doorstep.” He expressed sympathy for those affected and noted: "We have experienced an earthquake that was strongly felt in Istanbul and its surroundings."
Powerful earthquake in Istanbul: Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry issues statement
On April 23, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the earthquake in Turkey. According to official information, no Kazakh citizens currently in Turkey contacted the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Istanbul.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation in coordination with Turkish authorities and Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions in Turkey," stated the MFA press service.
A total of 1,137 Kazakh citizens are registered with the Consulate General in Istanbul.