Turkey thanks Vietnam for earthquake rescue aid

Vietnam’s dispatch of a rescue team to Turkey and emergency aid of US$100,000 “is a testament to the friendly and cooperative relationship, as well as the spirit of mutual support in difficult times between the two countries,” Haldun Tekneci said Friday at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

The Turkish government and people are “touched” by Vietnam’s goodwill and support, he said.

Son hoped Turkish agencies would ensure the safety of the Vietnamese rescue team as well as Vietnamese citizens living in the country.

He said Vietnam is willing to help Turkey with the reconstruction of areas affected by the disaster.

The Vietnamese military dispatched 76 soldiers to Turkey on Feb. 11 to aid with rescue efforts following the deadly earthquakes in the Turkey-Syria region.

Earlier 24 rescuers and medical workers from the Ministry of Public Security flew to Turkey to help search for victims.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Feb. 14 wrote to the presidents of Turkey and Syria offering aid of US$100,000 each to their countries.

The death toll has crossed 45,000 and thousands more are still stuck under the debris of collapsed buildings.

The toll in Turkey stands at 39,672, making it the worst disaster in its modern history. But the number is expected to rise further given some 264,000 apartments were lost in the quake and many people are still unaccounted for, Reuters reported Saturday.

The United Nations on Thursday appealed for aid of more than $1 billion for the Turkish relief operation and $400 million for Syria, the report added.