The Turkish ambassador to us: You are no longer our neighbors, but brothers and sisters

“Until now we have addressed you as neighbors, friends. We now address you as brothers and sisters. You responded in the first hours after the tragedy and sent rescue teams with military planes, which brought many people out from under the ruins. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, this was the strongest gesture of solidarity that Bulgaria showed us. I am proud to be an ambassador in such a country.”

This was stated by the ambassador of Turkey Aylin Sekizkök, who met with the Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov.

Ambassador Sekizkök pointed out that Bulgaria’s help is extremely valuable.

“The Ministry of Defense is ready to continue providing necessary humanitarian assistance to Turkey. We were among the first countries to respond – through our Air Force, we transported military medics, rescue teams and humanitarian aid with our military planes,” said Minister Stoyanov, once again expressing his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the severe earthquakes in Turkey.

According to the latest data, 41 thousand people have died after the earthquakes so far, and 2 million people have been left without shelter.

“We are trying to provide them with a roof and heating. We are therefore grateful that you provide full assistance to the trucks with humanitarian aid to transit through Bulgaria to the affected areas. We will also count on your support to the European Union to restore the damage caused by the earthquake,” said Ambassador Sekizkök.

“You will have the unequivocal support of Bulgaria in the European Union for any necessary assistance to Turkey.” We at the Ministry of Defense remain ready at your request to provide support according to our capabilities,” said the Minister of Defense.

He told the ambassador that the servicemen from the Second Mechanized Brigade in Stara Zagora collected donations for the families of the victims in Turkey.

“This is a small gesture, but it shows our sincere sympathy for your people,” Minister Stoyanov said.