US salutes Greece, Turkey earthquake diplomacy

·

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden offered condolences to Greece and Turkey Friday after an earthquake that has killed at least 19 people across both countries and injured hundreds more.  

“Jill and I send our prayers to the people of Greece and Turkey following today’s earthquake,” Biden wrote on Twitter, referring to his wife.

“We’re grateful for the brave rescuers saving others, and for the governments of Greece and Turkey putting aside their differences to support each other.”

He is the first presidential candidate to offer condolences to the countries as they recover from the devastating temblor. 

US President Donald Trump has yet to weigh in, but Robert O’Brien, his national security advisor offered condolences and US support in a message similar to Biden’s, lauding the solidarity shown by Greek and Turkish officials.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan replied earlier Friday to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who said on Twitter he called the Turkish leader to voice Athens’ condolences and to pledge solidarity as the countries recover from the devastating temblor.  

“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.

“That two neighbors show solidarity in difficult times is more valuable than many things in life.” 

At least 17 people were killed and 709 others injured in Turkey when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted the Turkish city of Izmir on the Aegean coast on Friday.

Two children were also reported dead on the Greek island of Samos.

*This is a developing story

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

One woman dies as torrential rain floods large parts of Greece

One woman has died in Greece after her car was swept away by torrential water near Katerini in Macedonia, local media report.

National Geographic series ‘The Greeks’ joins ever-growing Disney Plus catalogue

National Geographic's three part series 'The Greeks' is the latest title to join Disney Plus' growing history catalogue, arriving on the platform on Friday.

Greece, US expand defense deal

The NATO allies renewed their defence agreement for 5 years with the understanding that it'll remain in place indefinitely from then onward.