Last Update: February 19, 2023, 19:43 IST
The United States has sent rescue teams and contributed an initial $85 million to Turkey and Syria, deploying helicopters to bring supplies to the worst-hit areas. (File photo: Reuters)
Top US diplomats arrived at the Innerlik air base in southern Turkey through which the United States has sent aid following the region’s worst natural disaster in more than a century.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Turkey on Sunday to show support for the earthquake-hit country and the NATO ally that has strained relations with Washington.
His visit comes after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria that killed some 45,000 people, but was planned before the disaster.
This is his first visit to Turkey after taking office more than two years ago.
Top US diplomats arrived at the Innerlik air base in southern Turkey through which the United States has sent aid following the region’s worst natural disaster in more than a century.
He will meet with officials coordinating the delivery of US aid and oversee humanitarian efforts in Hatay, one of the worst-hit Turkish provinces.
The United States has sent rescue teams and contributed an initial $85 million to Turkey and Syria, deploying helicopters to bring supplies to the worst-hit areas.
US-Turkey relations have been strained in recent years, but Washington has seen Ankara as supportive of its mediating role between Russia and Ukraine since Moscow’s invasion last year.
Blinken will travel to Ankara late on Sunday before talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, where two issues will top the agenda.
Turkey wants to buy the F-16 fighter jets but concerns over Turkey’s human rights record and threats to Greece are blocking the sale in Congress.
Blinken will also likely bring up Turkey’s refusal to ratify Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership applications.
He will travel to Greece late Monday for talks during which he is expected to discuss tensions with Turkey, although relations frosty since the earthquake have cooled slightly as Greece provided aid to its NATO ally and neighbor. .
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)