Minister of Defence: We are ready to continue providing the necessary assistance to Türkiye

"The Ministry of Defence stands ready to continue to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Türkiye. We were among the first countries to respond (after the earthquake) - we transported military medics, rescue teams and humanitarian aid via our Air Force aircraft," caretaker Minister of Defence Dimitar Stoyanov said at a meeting at the Ministry with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Aylin Sekizkök.

Minister Stoyanov reiterated his sincere condolences to the families of the dead and injured in the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye.

"Until now, we addressed you as neighbours, friends. Now we address you as brothers and sisters. You responded in the very first hours after the tragedy and sent your rescue teams with the military planes. The rescuers pulled out many people from under the ruins. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, this has been the strongest gesture of solidarity that Bulgaria has shown to us. I am proud to be an ambassador in such a country," Ambassador Sekizkök said.

"The Ministry of Defence stands ready to continue providing the necessary humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Türkiye. We were among the first countries to respond - we transported military medics, rescue teams and humanitarian aid via our Air Force aircraft." This was stated by the Minister of Defence Dimitar Stoyanov at a meeting at the Ministry with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, H. Amb. Aylin Sekizkök.

Minister Stoyanov reiterated his sincere condolences to the families of the dead and injured in the severe earthquakes in Türkiye.

"Until now, we addressed you as neighbours, friends. Now we address you as brothers and sisters. You responded in the very first hours after the tragedy and sent your rescue teams with the military planes that pulled out many people from under the ruins. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, this has been the strongest gesture of solidarity that Bulgaria has shown to us. I am proud to be an ambassador in such a country," Ambassador Sekizkök said.

She also pointed out that Bulgaria's assistance was extremely valuable.

According to the latest figures, 41 thousand people have died after the earthquakes so far and 2 million people have been left homeless.

"We are trying to provide them with a place to live and with heating. That is why we are grateful that you are fully cooperating with humanitarian aid trucks to transit through Bulgaria to the affected areas. We will also count on your support in front of the European Union in relation to the rebuilding after the earthquake damages," Ambassador Sekizkök added.

"You will have the strong support of Bulgaria in the European Union for any assistance needed for Türkiye. We in the Ministry of Defence remain ready to provide support to the best of our abilities upon your requests," the caretaker Defence Minister said. He told the Ambassador that the servicemen of the Second Mechanised Brigade in Stara Zagora had collected donations for the families of the victims in Türkiye. "This is a small gesture, but it shows our sincere sympathy for your people," Minister Stoyanov replied.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Kateryna Gramatikova, Chief of Cabinet Vladko Vladov, Director of the Defence Policy and Planning Directorate Brigadier General Radostin Iliev, and Turkish Military Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Murat Payas.