Türkiye and Greek FMs visit quake-hit Hatay

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited the earthquake-stricken areas of Türkiye on Sunday, accompanied by his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu. The visit was part of a new round of so-called “earthquake diplomacy” between the two uneasy allies, whose relations have often been frosty, if not downright hostile.

Cavusoglu said Greece was among the first countries to call and offer help after the earthquake struck. In both cases, the two countries sent rescuers to assist in each other's efforts and the warming of bilateral relations was widely covered in the international media.

The ministers visited the Operations Centre in Antakya, where they were briefed on the latest developments concerning the evacuation and rescue effort, as well as on the humanitarian needs that have arisen. They also saw the extent of the devastation from the air, in a helicopter trip. Dendias and Cavusoglu also visited the camp where Greek and other international units are based.