Participating via video message in the sixth First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit held in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, Emine Erdoğan said the unity and solidarity demonstrated by the country’s people despite the harsh conditions of war were an example of social resilience.
Erdoğan thanked Olena Zelenska, the wife of the President of Ukraine, for contributing to the organisation of the summit. She said societies have their own distinctive worlds of values shaped by their history, faith and shared memories.
Solidarity and protection in Turkish culture
Erdoğan said charity and solidarity were among the fundamental virtues of Turkish society, recalling that more than 26,000 charitable foundations were established during the Ottoman period to care for the elderly, protect orphans, pay the debts of those in need and provide treatment for the sick.
Erdoğan said this tradition found expression in the Turkish cultural concept of protection and patronage, adding that protecting people in need and recognising everyone’s right to a fair life strengthened belief in the conscience of humanity.
6 February earthquakes as an example of solidarity
Erdoğan said the Turkish people had overcome difficult periods throughout history thanks to their strong social ties, and cited the 6 February earthquakes as another example of this solidarity.
Erdoğan said more than 50,000 citizens had lost their lives in the earthquakes, adding that the massive destruction demonstrated societies’ ability to unite as one in difficult times.
Message of peace to the Ukrainian people
Erdoğan said children in Ukraine continued their education, women were taking responsibility in every area of life and the people were striving for the future of their country.
Congratulating Ukraine on the 35th anniversary of its independence, Erdoğan wished the Ukrainian people peace, tranquillity and prosperity.
Erdoğan said that sharing experiences among societies and cultures at the summit would make an important contribution to a common future, adding that different experiences could guide efforts to overcome the deep crises facing humanity.
In a social media post, Erdoğan also said she was pleased to participate in the summit in Kyiv via video message. She expressed hope that the experiences shared at the meeting would help overcome the crises facing humanity.
