The Minister of National Defence Mr.  Panagiotopoulos visited Turkey today, Tuesday 4 April 2023 and specifically the areas struck by the catastrophic earthquakes, upon invitation of his Turkish counterpart Mr. Hulusi Akar.

The Minister of National Defence had a private meeting with his Turkish counterpart at the Disasters and Crises Coordination and Management Centre, in Antiochus, he was informed on the last developments and the current situation, and then, he boarded on a helicopter with his Turkish counterpart and visited the disasters’ spots.

The two Ministers also visited a hospital in the area, as well as the facilities where those struck by the earthquakes temporarily reside.

During his visit, Minister Panagiotopoulos made the following statement:

“Minister, Dear Hulusi,

First, I would like to express once more today to the Defence Minister Mr. Hulusi Akar, the Turkish government, and the Turkish people, the sincere condolences of the Hellenic Government and the Greek people, for the thousands of human lives lost in the disaster caused by the earthquakes.

After meeting today with my counterpart, the Defence Minister of the neighbouring country Turkey, and his staff, I would like to remind you that these extreme disasters, some of which are the result of the climate change as well, constitute security challenges of a new type that will concern all of us and we must find ways to deal with them: they will come, they will strike our countries and peoples, and they must be dealt with; we should work to this direction, possibly in a joint effort.

Greece promptly responded to Turkey’s request for the EU Civil Protection mechanism’s activation. As neighbours, we rushed with Greek rescuers, to help save our fellow citizens in Turkey, who have been struck by the earthquakes, thus showing our compassion and solidarity.