The rescue team of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) presented nearly 25 tonnes of supplies to Turkey on Tuesday to assist the country in dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake.

The aid, including ration packs, rice, milk, medical supplies, and other essentials, was handed over at Hatay Stadium in Antakya City, the capital of Turkey’s Hatay Province.

The supplies demonstrate the sympathies of the Vietnamese people and the Ministry of National Defense for Turkey over the human and property losses brought about by the earthquake, said Major General Pham Van Ty, deputy head of the Rescue Department under the VPA’s General Staff, and head of the Vietnamese rescue team in Turkey.

On behalf of Turkish authorities, Ambassador Hakan Cakil, a representative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry in Hatay Province, expressed his gratitude for the assistance, stating that practical support will help Turkish people surmount difficulties and losses.

The medical supplies will be quickly transported to local hospitals and health centers to support the provision of emergency treatment to patients, he noted.

The delegation of 76 military officials and soldiers under the VPA arrived in Turkey on February 13 to engage in search and rescue operations for victims of the earthquake.

Another rescue team including 24 members from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security returned to Hanoi on Sunday after spending nine days in Turkey assisting in earthquake relief efforts.

More than 46,000 people have been killed in the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 and the toll is expected to continue to rise, Reuters reported.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!