Erdogan: Turkey Will Continue To Provide Aid To Tsunami Victims

MALE - In a visit to the tsunami stricken regions of southeast Asia, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that it is the duty of everyone globally to help the tsunami victims in the short, medium and long run. ''Turkey will continue to provide aid to the tsunami victims of southeast Asia.''
On his fourth day of a tour of southeast Asia, Erdogan had discussions in the Maldives.
Erdogan stressed that his discussions with regional authorities are not only personal but rather represent the spirit of 70 million Turkish citizens. ''Turks have been and will be in service of the tsunami victims of southeast Asia.''
In a press conference at Maldives capital Male's International Airport, Erdogan remarked that Turkey has already sent 100,000 U.S. dollars to the Maldives as financial assistance.
''The meeting with the Maldives President tonight and our consultations at the meeting of the council of ministers in Ankara will shape our future assistance and aid to the Maldives,'' told Erdogan.
Asked what Turkey plans to do in the near future for the Maldives, Erdogan replied that he discussed such plans with the minister of education of the Maldive Islands. ''There are problems involved with the lack of sufficient residential units and schools in the Maldives. We will be briefed by the President of Maldive Islands this evening. Our assistance will be based on short, middle and long term goals,'' expressed Erdogan.
Erdogan received a tour of the Maldive Islands by a plane.
Prayers were heard from the plane's speakers before Erdogan's departure for the tour.