Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked World Humanitarian Day by emphasizing global humanitarian challenges and Trkiye's close cooperation with Spain.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan contributed a guest column to Spanish daily El Pais titled "Compassion Beyond Borders: The Alliance of Civilizations and Humanitarian Diplomacy." The column highlighted the urgent humanitarian crises affecting over 300 million people worldwide, urging global responsibility to address these issues.

Erdogan detailed Trkiye's humanitarian efforts, noting the provision of over 101,000 tons of aid to Gaza and a mobilization valued at more than $40 million in support of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. He stressed that humanitarian aid represents advanced diplomacy, rooted in empathy and humanity, and praised the collaboration between Trkiye and Spain in addressing humanitarian issues.

Highlighting the unity between the two nations, Erdogan emphasized the spirit of solidarity that transcends geographical boundaries and the shared commitment to building a fairer world. He also commended Spain's support for Trkiye's EU accession process and the 20th anniversary of the Alliance of Civilizations, a UN initiative co-signed with former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Erdogan underscored the importance of recognizing diversity as a source of richness and hope during global crises.