The EMAK staff briefed the prime minister on the mission and shared their experiences in the neighbouring country, while Mitsotakis thanked them for their contribution to saving human lives, both in Turkiye and generally. “What you did at this conjunction not only has human value but was also a very substantial promotion of the solidarity between our two peoples in difficult geopolitical circumstances,” the prime minister said. He noted that the Turks faced with a natural disaster will have seen the Greeks with the Greek flag arriving first, risking their lives to save others trapped under the ruins. “I think that this is a very strong message of solidarity between the two peoples that will accompany us for a long time to come. You have therefore carried out a dual national mission and for this I am personally – but I believe I also interpret the feelings of all Greek men and women – we are deeply grateful,” Mitsotakis said, praising them for their courage and the very valuable work they do. The prime minister went on to highlight the added significance of civil protection services in the face of new challenges and the additional resources that will be made available for civil defence against natural disasters, nationally and on an EU level. The prime minister was accompanied by Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianides, Deputy Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas, the Secretary General for Civil Protection Vasilis Papageorgiou, as well as the heads of the fire brigade, ambulance service and of the Organisation for Earthquake Planning and Protection, Professor Efthymios Lekkas.
PM Mitsotakis visits 1st EMAK headquarters in Elefsina, talks to rescuers
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday visited the 1st Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) facilities in Elefsina, shortly before his departure for Munich, and spoke with members of the search-and-rescue teams that were sent to the earthquake-stricken regions of Turkiye.