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Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter
Outgoing Turkey Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Hakan Kivanc, yesterday donated wheelchairs and walking aids worth thousands of dollars at Kim Coart Farm in Harare as a farewell gift.
The donation was the veteran diplomat’s show to people with disabilities of his unwavering commitment to the promotion of inclusive societies in line with Zimbabwe’s drive of leaving no one and no place behind.
The devices were distributed regardless of religion, culture or political affiliation. A beneficiary, Mr Tafadzwa Machimula (34), whose leg was amputated three years ago following a road traffic accident, said the donation was timely.
“Given the high cost of assistive devices, the Ambassador’s gesture is a shot in the arm for me as well a commitment of leaving no one behind in development and inclusivity and equality. This shows that most societies are now beginning to see usefulness of people with disabilities,” he said.
Handing over the donations, on behalf of Ambassador Kivanc, Turkish embassy representative Mr Adam Wadi said Turkey was committed to participating in disability inclusion programmes in partnership with the Government, donors and other stakeholders.
“Turkey is alive to the fact that people with disabilities endure stigma and discrimination as well as stereotypes in society,” said Mr Wadi.
“We would like to make it clear that disability is not a curse and neither is it an inability.”
He said Ambassador Kivanc had donated 20 sets of crutches, 15 pieces of walking frames, four wheelchairs, and other assistive devices for distribution to those in serious need.
Bidding farewell to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda last week, Ambassador Kivanc called for improved trade and economic ties between the two countries.
“Trade, I wouldn’t rate it because its far way below our potential. We have to increase our trade and economic relations, we have an agreement which would soon be enforced because we have already agreed and ratified it also,” he said.
Ambassador Kivanc urged the business community in Turkey and Zimbabwe to interact often to explore opportunities for cooperation.
During Ambassador Kivanc’s tenure of office, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation also donated highly-mechanised boreholes to the needy people in various communities in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe and Turkey enjoy deep ties spanning the business, religious, social, and political spectrum.
It is envisaged that trade ties will cascade to agriculture, mining, education and manufacturing, among others.
Present trade figures indicate that Turkish exports to Zimbabwe are US$15 million while its imports are US$12 million.
Online Reporter