Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan exchanged condolences and words of solidarity on Friday, following the strong earthquake that hit Turkey’s Izmir but was felt in both countries.
Mitsotakis called Erdogan to offer condolences after several deaths reported in Izmir. Both leaders then tweeted about their exchange, expressing solidarity between the two people.
“Whatever our differences, these are times when our people need to stand together,” Mitsotakis wrote.
“That two neighbors show solidarity in difficult times is more valuable than many things in life,” Erdogan replied.
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.
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.
That two neighbors show solidarity in difficult times is more valuable than many things in life. https://t.co/eo6iClofKZ
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 30, 2020
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Greek islands on Friday, leaving 12 dead in Izmir city, and 2 dead in Samos, a Greek island, as well as a number of destroyed houses.
It comes amidst high tensions between the two countries over maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.
