In reaction to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Greek PM Mitsotakis tweeted: “Greece is mobilizing its resources and will assist immediately.”
The Greek government vowed on Monday morning to assist Turkey in the aftermath of the massive earthquake which has to date, killed more than 1,300 people so far in the southeast of the country, and in Syria.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted his condolences saying he was “Deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake disaster in Türkiye and Syria.”
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims and our thoughts are with all the people affected. Greece is mobilizing its resources and will assist immediately.”
Mitsotakis has instructed specialised teams be sent to assist rescue efforts. A 25-strong EMAK rescue unit is reported to be on its way to Turkey with more assistance to follow.
The country’s head of state president Katerina Sakelloropoulou also tweeted her sympathy and support and that the Greeks “stand in solidarity” with Turkey and Syria.
This is in step with previous approaches by Greek governments whenever natural disasters strike its neighbour.
Greek–Turkish earthquake diplomacy, initiated after earthquakes hit both countries in the summer of 1999, improved Greek–Turkish relations.
The August 17, 1999, Turkish earthquakes devastated significant parts of the country and killed seventeen thousand people.
Greece sent aid, and donated blood despite historic animosities.
Within hours of the earthquake, the Greek government contacted Turkey and on August 17, 1999, and November 13, 1999, Greece sent a rescue teams, rescue dogs and fire-fighting planes.