Bulgarian rescuers to be awarded by President Erdogan for help after Turkey earthquake

Bulgaria is sending further 3.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to areas affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

A representative of the Bulgarian rescuers in Turkey will be awarded by Turkish President Recep Erdogan as a token of gratitude for the efforts and assistance Bulgaria has provided to our southeastern neighbour after the earthquakes.

The award will go to firefighter Petar Petrov, who will represent the entire group of rescuers from Bulgaria. He is accompanied by caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev, who travelled to Ankara with another aid package for the victims of the devastating earthquake - tents, blankets and generators.

"Bulgaria is contributing the most manpower and aid. Turkey periodically puts requests within the framework of the aid mechanism set. We are responding to them within our means to the extent that our capacity to protect against disasters and emergencies is not compromised. This gesture of assistance is very much appreciated and I think has been key to improving relations between the two countries," Demerdzhiev said.

Within the framework of the visit, Minister Demerdzhiev will meet his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Soylu, with whom they will discuss the security of the common border.

"Turkey has been very active in helping us and this interaction is yielding better and better results. To date, although attempts for crossing the border have increased by over 40% compared to last year, the number of migrants admitted is 60% less. So we will continue with this interaction and the cooperation will deepen. This is also seen and appreciated by Europe and this experience is being sought by all European countries and by the commission to be multiplied and applied elsewhere," Demerdzhiev said.