PM call with President Erdogan of T眉rkiye: 7 February 2023
The Prime Minister spoke to Turkish President Erdogan today.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo臒an this afternoon, following the devastating earthquakes which struck T眉rkiye and Syria. He expressed his deep condolences for the tragic loss of life and pledged the UK鈥檚 steadfast support.
The Prime Minister confirmed that a 77-strong British search and rescue team arrived in Gaziantep today with specialist equipment and dogs, in response to a request from the Turkish government, and will immediately start work assisting with the rescue effort.
President Erdo臒an thanked the Prime Minister for the UK鈥檚 solidarity in response to this tragedy and welcomed international search and rescue and medical support for the initial emergency response.
The Prime Minister also noted the deeply concerning humanitarian situation over the border in North-West Syria, where T眉rkiye plays an important coordinating role, and set out how the UK has increased support to aid organisations and emergency responders.