CARACAS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's government on Thursday expressed gratitude for offers of assistance and humanitarian aid from various countries after two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction.
In a televised address to the nation on Thursday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez briefed Venezuelans on the damage caused by the earthquakes and called for national unity in the disaster response. She also thanked many countries, including China, for their willingness to assist Venezuela.
She said on social media that Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had "immediately expressed their solidarity with Venezuela and their willingness to support the rescue efforts being coordinated in our country."
She also thanked Italy and France for their willingness to offer assistance, noting that France had proposed sending specialized rescue personnel.
Such gestures of solidarity strengthen ties of friendship, Rodriguez stressed, acknowledging Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's offer of humanitarian assistance and the support of Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez, who offered to "provide assistance and cooperation at various levels, including humanitarian aid and coordination mechanisms to assist those affected," she wrote.
Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, was also acknowledged for support regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid and the dispatch of a team to assist emergency efforts, said Rodriguez.
Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Thursday highlighted the condolences conveyed by the Chinese government, acknowledging "in particular their willingness to provide support and assistance, reflecting the friendship and cooperation that unite our nations."
Gil said he had been in contact with his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, who offered "resources to tackle the difficult situation caused by the powerful earthquakes that have inflicted serious damage."
He also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who expressed condolences and confirmed the dispatch of two aircraft carrying rescue equipment and humanitarian aid. Iran also expressed readiness to offer "any type of assistance necessary" for ongoing rescue and relief operations, while Algeria's contribution was highlighted.
Gil additionally thanked Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji for his condolences, noting minor damage to the Lebanese embassy in Caracas but confirming that the Lebanese community was safe and unharmed. He also thanked Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, for his message and support for the Venezuelan people.
He also acknowledged the support of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Uganda, Palestine, Costa Rica, Libya, Russia, Kuwait, Angola, Romania, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. ■
