Pretoria - The South African government has sent condolences to the people of Turkey following a deadly explosion in a mine which killed scores of people.
The disaster occurred in the privately-owned mine in the western province of Manisa during a shift changeover on Tuesday. It has been labelled the deadliest in Turkey's history - killing 301 while 486 miners had escaped or were rescued.
Turkey has announced a three-day mourning period for the victims.
“The South African government wishes the government of Turkey as well as the families and friends of the deceased strength during this difficult time of mourning.”
South Africa and Turkey enjoy cordial relations as evidenced by regular high level engagements and structured meetings geared at consolidating and enhancing bilateral relations.
According to Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Clayson Monyela; Turkey views South Africa as a key regional and continental power, and believes that closer relations with South Africa could assist in fostering stronger continental relations.
“The South Africa-Turkey strategic partnership is informed by the two countries' growing political and economic profile and their geostrategic location in Africa and Euro-Asia as well as shared values i.e. democracy, human rights, the rule of law, multilateralism and sustainable development,” Monyela said in a statement on Friday.
Turkey currently has 740 coal mines and more than 48 000 miners. Mine accidents in the country have killed over 3 000 people and injured more than 100 000 since 1941. - SAnews.gov.za
