The Turkish Embassy in Manila has expressed its appreciation of the Philippine government after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. offered assistance in the search and rescue of those affected by a destructive 7.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted Türkiye and its neighboring Syria.
Türkiye’s top diplomat in the Philippines, Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, said the embassy is now in close coordination with relevant authorities "to facilitate the departure at the earliest time" of the 85-man contigent’s departure that was provided by the government.
Akyol expressed the embassy’s "sincerest gratitude" for Marcos’ decision to send a delegation, which will be composed of engineers and health workers from the country’s defense, health and local government agencies.
"We are moved by the generosity of the Government and the People of the Philippines in our time of need," the envoy said.
Akyol saw the Philippine assistance as an “act of solidarity," which he said will "surely strengthen the already solid bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries."
The Philippines has joined dozens of other countries to extend help in the search and rescue of Turkish people who are in the rubbles as well as in the relief operations.
The Philippine Embassy in Türkiye earlier expressed its sympathies with its people and expressed readiness to offer assistance.