Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the deaths caused by the powerful earthquake that struck the eastern Aegean island of Samos and the city of Izmir on Friday.
“I just called President Erdogan to offer my condolences for the tragic loss of life from the earthquake that struck both our countries. Whatever our differences, these are times when our people need to stand together,” Mitsotakis said in a tweet.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reciprocated in wishing condolences to Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“I offer my condolences to all of Greece on behalf of myself and the Turkish people. Turkey, too, is always ready to help Greece heal its wounds,” Erdogan said in a tweet.
“That two neighbors show solidarity in difficult times is more valuable than many things in life,” he added.
The comment followed a call between the two leaders discussed tremor.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, with an epicenter 13 kilometers (8 miles) north-northeast of the Greek island of Samos. The United States Geological Survey put the magnitude at 7.0.
EU, NATO and WHO offer assistance to Turkey and Greece
The EU, NATO, the World Health Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation offered assistance to Turkey and Greece as the earthquake shook the Aegean region.
“Closely following the developments of the strong earthquake that hit the Aegean Sea off Greece and Turkey,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter.
“My thoughts are with all the people affected.”
Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, also took to Twitter to show support.
“We are following the situation and we stand ready to help, in all possible ways,” she wrote.
Also, NATO’s secretary-general said the alliance stands ready to help “its allies Greece and Turkey.”
“I am deeply saddened by the reports from the earthquake in the #Aegean. My thoughts go to all those affected,” Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the world health body is in close watch of the developments happening in Turkey and Greece after the earthquake.
In a videoconference, Tedros said they will be working with the two countries to ensure that emergency medical care is provided to those in need.
He also wished a fast recovery to those effected by the earthquake.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also extended condolences over loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to all those affected by the earthquake.
*This is a developing story
