Syria responds to Russian aid offer — RT World News
President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Bashar Assad to discuss the aftermath of Monday’s catastrophic earthquakes
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has accepted Russia’s offer of aid following a series of deadly earthquakes that rocked the region on Monday, the Kremlin said. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with Assad to convey his condolences and offer his help.
The quakes have rocked northern parts of Syria and central and southeastern Turkey, resulting in a combined death toll of more than 1,400 so far.
Putin offered to provide Syria with all the necessary assistance to help it cope with the consequences of the disaster, the Kremlin press service said.
The Kremlin said Assad “accepted this offer with gratitude” and rescuers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry will fly to Syria “in the next few hours” to help with relief efforts.
Moscow also sent a cable to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in which Putin offered Russia’s deepest condolences for the many casualties and massive destruction caused by the earthquakes. He asked Erdogan to relay “words of sincere sympathy” to the families of those killed and wishes the speedy rescue of all survivors.
Russia also offered Türkiye its help in coping with the aftermath of the disaster and said rescue workers were ready to leave immediately to help.
Erdogan and Putin are expected to discuss the issue by phone later on Monday, according to the Kremlin.
In addition to the 1,400 lives lost in the tragedy, thousands of buildings were destroyed, while critical infrastructure and a number of historical monuments were damaged. Erdogan described the quake as the worst to hit the country since 1939.
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