Quake-hit Turkey, Greece exchange condolences

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday exchanged condolences over the loss of lives caused by a powerful earthquake that hit their countries.

“I just called President @RTErdogan to offer my condolences for the tragic loss of life from the earthquake that struck both our countries,” Mitsotakis said on Twitter.

“Whatever our differences, these are times when our people need to stand together,” Mitsotakis added.

Erdogan, for his part, told Mitsotakis that Turkey was ready to provide assistance to Greece if needed.

Later, the Turkish president replied to Mitsotakis' Twitter post.

“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,” Erdogan said on Twitter.

At least 12 people were killed and 522 others injured when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted the city of Izmir on the Turkish Aegean on Friday, according to Turkey’s environment and urbanization minister.

Two children were reported dead on the Greek island of Samos.

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday exchanged condolences over the loss of lives caused by a powerful earthquake that hit their countries.

“I just called President @RTErdogan to offer my condolences for the tragic loss of life from the earthquake that struck both our countries,” Mitsotakis said on Twitter.

“Whatever our differences, these are times when our people need to stand together,” Mitsotakis added.

Erdogan, for his part, told Mitsotakis that Turkey was ready to provide assistance to Greece if needed.

Later, the Turkish president replied to Mitsotakis' Twitter post.

Two children were reported dead on the Greek island of Samos.