On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a significant earthquake struck the city of Istanbul, impacting several districts of the Turkish metropolis. Following this event, the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Ankara quickly established a crisis cell to monitor its nationals in the city.
Creation of a Crisis Cell
From the morning of Wednesday, April 23, the embassy coordinated its efforts with the Tunisian Consulate General in Istanbul to form a dedicated monitoring cell. The primary purpose of this cell is to ensure the safety of all Tunisians present in the city and provide updated information on the situation. Simultaneously, communications were established with the relevant Turkish authorities to monitor the situation’s evolution.
Call for Vigilance Among Tunisian Nationals
The embassy strongly urged all members of the Tunisian community in Istanbul to come forward and contact the consular services. This step seeks to ensure their well-being and provide them with clear instructions regarding the safety measures to follow. The embassy also encouraged its nationals to strictly adhere to the recommendations of the Turkish authorities, who have implemented safety measures to minimise post-seismic risks.
Reassuring Message from the Embassy
In a statement released this morning, April 24, 2025, Plenipotentiary Minister Ahmed Ben Sghaier reiterated the embassy’s efforts to support its citizens during this difficult period. During his intervention on Tunisian national radio, he assured the families and relatives of Tunisians living in Istanbul that the diplomatic services are closely monitoring the situation. He also confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration is maintaining close cooperation with the local Turkish authorities to manage the crisis.
Ongoing Collaboration with Turkish Authorities
The active role of the embassy and the consulate in managing the crisis has been strengthened by the establishment of direct communication with the Turkish authorities. This close monitoring ensures that all affected individuals are safe and informed in real time. The ambassador also emphasised the need for Tunisian nationals to continue exercising caution and following the instructions of local authorities.
The Embassy of Tunisia in Ankara, in collaboration with the Consulate General in Istanbul, continues to play a crucial role in managing this crisis, offering support and information to its citizens in the face of the uncertainty caused by the earthquake’s aftermath.
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