A historic agreement on which to build positive partnership between the Indian Red Cross Society and the Turkish Red Crescent Society, was signed by Prof. (Dr) S.P Agarwal, Secretary General , Indian Red Cross Society and Mr. Ahmet Lutfi Akar, General President, Turkish Red Crescent Society on 14 September 2012 in Ankara. This memorandum of understanding between the two societies represents the beginning of a significant partnership in working to assist vulnerable people, particularly in times of disaster and other emergencies.

As our world continues to change, the needs of vulnerable people are also growing. Despite the strong economic growth in many countries, including India and Turkey, the Red Cross and Red Crescent of these two respective countries recognize that not everyone has benefited from such opportunities to the same degree. The Red Cross Red Crescent seeks to ensure that, particularly when disaster strikes, no one is left behind. Indian Red Cross recognizes that through partnership, it can be most effective in meeting such growing, and diverse needs.

The seeds of this partnership were laid during the Roundtable meeting hosted jointly by the Indian Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on 28th May of 2012, in New Delhii and the subsequent meeting of the President of The Turkish Red Crescent along with others with Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Chairman IRCS ( Hon'ble HFM, GOI) on 30th May 2012. It aimed to explore the common challenges faced by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in South Asia and the Gulf region. It also gave an opportunity for exploring bilateral partnerships to address and serve vulnerable communities in disasters, development and other related humanitarian activities.

The Turkish Delegation also visited the Indian Red Cross Society, National Headquarters, New Delhii on 29th May 2012, Prof. (Dr.) Agarwal, Secretary General, Indian Red Cross informed the members present about the distinctive roles and responsibilities of the Indian Red Cross highlighting the society's major interventions and breakthroughs. The delegation took a round of the facility and was impressed by the infrastructure at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) which included the video conferencing facility in the DMC, GIS lab, HAM Radio Centre and a well stocked library.

Mr. Ahmet Lutfi Akar, General President of Turkish Red Crescent Society, who signed the agreement on behalf of his society said the MoU, "We are consolidating our contribution in the international arena with the new cooperation protocols. We are enhancing our efficiency each passing day."

Dr. S.P. Agarwal, who views this memorandum of understanding as an important step in advancing the power of humanity across both India and the broader South Asia region, said "With the new cooperation, we will assist many people who are in need around the globe, particularly in South Asia."

The signing of this memorandum of cooperation is only the first step in this partnership, and over the coming months, the two societies will together explore how best to work together to serve vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity..

The delegations from the Red Crescent Societies attending the Round table meeting, called on the Chairman, Indian Red Cross & Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, GOI on 30/5/2012 in Nirman Bhavan, New Delhii.
General President, Turkish Red Crescent Society, Mr. Ahmet Lutfi Akar, meeting Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hon'ble Chairman, IRCS & Hon'ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, GOI in Nirman Bhavan, New Delhii.
The Turkish Delegation visiting the GIS lab in the Disaster Management Centre , IRCS , NHQ on 29th May, 2012.
MoU being signed at the Headquarters of the Turkish Red Crescent Society at Ankara, Turkey on 14.09.12.	The Secretary General of IRCS & President TRCS exchanging the MoU in the Headquarters of TRCS, Ankara on 14.09. 2012.