Serbian gov't sends 105 t of aid to quake-hit Syria

BELGRADE - The Serbian government has sent 105 t of aid to the quake-hit population of Syria.

The aid shipment, worth around 1 mln euros, consists of medicines, medical equipment and supplies, food, tents, power generators, blankets, toiletries and other supplies needed by the population, the government said in a statement.

The aid was provided in collaboration with the Serbian Directorate for Commodity Reserves, the Health Insurance Fund, the Interior Ministry, the Serbian Red Cross, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration and Serbian companies.

Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and Syrian Ambassador to Belgrade Bassem Jouman Agha saw off the shipment last night.

"The Government of Serbia has already approved 1 mln euros in financial assistance, which has already been disbursed to Syria. That is not all. At this time, there is still close to 100 t of aid at warehouses receiving aid secured by the government, as well as by citizens and local companies," Gasic said, adding that the remaining aid would be shipped to Syria by road and sea.

Gasic thanked Serbian companies and citizens who had also sent charity text messages to help the people of quake-stricken Syria and Turkey.