Georgian PM personally extends sympathies to Turkish president over deadly quake

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara and personally extended his sympathies over the recent devastating earthquake that killed more than 41,000 in the country, the government of Georgia press office said. 

Garibashvili said his country was “standing by the friendly people of Turkey” and was “ready to provide any assistance necessary”. 

The participation of Georgian rescuers in efforts toward the elimination of the consequences of the earthquake and in rescue operations, and the humanitarian assistance provided by Georgia, have been emphasized at the meeting, the press office noted.

Erdogan thanked Garibashvili for the “rapid assistance” provided at this difficult time.

The Georgian delegation is scheduled to visit the country’s Hatay province on Friday.