A powerful earthquake and a series of strong tremors and aftershocks devastated the Republic of Turkey and northwestern Syria on February 6, 2023. The earthquake caused significant damage and claimed many lives. According to reports, thousands of people were killed and many more injured in the quake. Many buildings, including residential and commercial buildings, were severely damaged, and some even collapsed completely. The quake also triggered landslides, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

For this reason, H. E. Professor Beyene Petros, Director General of the Policy Studies Institute, visited the Turkish Embassy in Ethiopia on February 15, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. to express his condolences to the government and the people of Turkey. Prof. Beyene wrote he was deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that recently struck Turkey and could not imagine the pain and suffering of the victims and their families.

Prof. Beyene expressed his deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this tragedy. He also wrote: "We stand in solidarity with the people of Turkey, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time."

We have learned that the Policy Studies Institute and the Turkish Embassy in Ethiopia are working on various bilateral issues.