Türkiye’s TIKA delivers humanitarian aid to 8,500 people in flood-stricken Colombia
Following the flood disaster in Riohacha, Colombia, in November 2024, Türkiye's Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) carried out relief efforts, January 21, 2025. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has provided humanitarian aid to approximately 8,500 people in Colombia’s Riohacha following devastating floods in November 2024.
The aid distribution ceremony in the rural areas of Riohacha, located in the La Guajira region, was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogota Beste Pehlivan Sun, National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) Director Carlos Alberto Carrillo, Riohacha Mayor Genaro Redondo Choles, and TIKA Colombia Coordinator Merve Zengin, among other officials.
A Turkish delegation, accompanied by Minister Murillo and several journalists, arrived in the city via aircraft provided by the Colombian Air Force. The delegation first held a meeting at the Integrate Center before addressing the press.
TIKA’s aid reaches indigenous communities
The officials traveled to the Kamuchasain Ethnic Education Center School, where they oversaw the delivery of humanitarian aid to the “Panterramana” and “Kamuchasain” communities. The first phase of the relief efforts included the distribution of 500 aid packages containing essential supplies, marking the beginning of Türkiye’s broader support plan for the region.
Local community leaders expressed their gratitude with a cultural music performance in honor of Türkiye and TIKA, celebrating the solidarity extended to them in difficult times.
Türkiye responds rapidly to Colombia’s call for help
During his speech, Minister Murillo recalled the devastation caused by the floods in November 2024 and praised Türkiye for its swift response to Colombia’s international call for assistance.
“TIKA has carried out numerous projects in Colombia over the years,” Murillo said. “First and foremost, I extend Colombia’s greetings to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. I also thank Ambassador Beste Pehlivan Sun and TIKA Colombia Coordinator Merve Zengin for their unwavering support. TIKA’s presence in Bogota has been instrumental in aiding our people.”
Strongest period in Türkiye-Colombia relations
Highlighting the robust diplomatic ties between the two nations, Murillo stated, “Türkiye and Colombia are experiencing the strongest period in our bilateral relations. Our bond is based on strategic partnership, and Türkiye’s prompt assistance following the floods is a testament to this solidarity. On behalf of President Gustavo Petro’s government and the people of Colombia, I express my heartfelt gratitude.”
Türkiye’s commitment to Colombia’s development
Ambassador Sun emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, stating, “TIKA has actively supported many projects in Colombia, particularly in the peace process. Following the floods, Foreign Minister Murillo’s request for humanitarian aid was swiftly met by TIKA. Our presence here today is a demonstration of the strong friendship and brotherhood between our nations.”
Recalling Colombia’s solidarity with Türkiye during the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, Sun expressed her pride in supporting the communities in La Guajira.
‘Being here is a duty of brotherhood’
TIKA Colombia Coordinator Merve Zengin reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to Colombia, stating, “We have prepared aid kits for 1,700 families, providing essential supplies for approximately 8,500 people. The initial phase includes the distribution of aid to 500 families in Riohacha. These packages carry not only essential supplies but also a message of friendship, solidarity, and goodwill from the Turkish people. Being here is our responsibility and a duty of brotherhood.”
Türkiye sets example in humanitarian cooperation
UNGRD Director Carlos Alberto Carrillo, speaking to AA, highlighted the severe impact of climate change-driven floods and Colombia’s subsequent declaration of a State of Emergency.
“Türkiye has extended this humanitarian aid with great compassion. As President Gustavo Petro has stated, Türkiye stands as one of the finest examples of international cooperation and solidarity. Our countries are strengthening ties not just in trade but in many other fields as well.”
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Riohacha community leader Nora Vairuchu shared, “We are deeply thankful for Türkiye’s support. The arrival of these aid packages from such a distant land means a lot to us. When the floods hit, we endured incredibly difficult days. These supplies have brought immense relief and happiness to our entire community.”
Türkiye’s TIKA swiftly responded to Colombia’s call for international aid, delivering humanitarian assistance to 8,500 people affected by the Riohacha floods. Strengthening Türkiye-Colombia ties, the aid reflects Türkiye’s commitment to global solidarity and disaster relief efforts.
