Members of Ministry of Public Security's search and rescue team prepare specialised equipment for their duty in Turkey. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Public Security onFebruary 9 held a send-off ceremony for personnel deployed for aiding searchand rescue activities in Turkey, which was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake onFebruary 6.
The quake, the most devastating disaster sweeping Turkey since1939, has so far caused 16,000 deaths and destroyed dozens of thousandsof houses. The local authorities have declared a state of emergency servingurgent search and rescue work.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister To Lam said the delegation is sent to Turkey for finding victims, providing humanitarian assistance,and helping the people stabilise their lives after the disaster.
He affirmed that the ministry’s participation in the searchand rescue efforts reflects the political commitments of Vietnam as a responsible member of the international community, staying ready to address difficulties, challenges, and maintain a peaceful andstable environment serving cooperation and development regionally and globally.
Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Haldun Tekneci said onFebruary 6 when the earthquake occurred that the embassy received the ministry’soffer for assistance. He expressed a deep gratitude toward the Government, theministry, other competent agencies of Vietnam and each member of the rescueteam.
On behalf of the 24-member team, Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong stressedthe importance of their upcoming work and pledged efforts to fulfill the mission.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on theceremony, Lieut. Gen. To An Xo, spokesman of the ministry, said this is thefirst time that the security body has sent a delegation on internationalmission to a disaster area far away from Vietnam's territory. The group ofsearch/rescue and medical personnel set off immediately after receiving theapproval from the Prime Minister.
Considering them Vietnam's messengers of peace, Xo hopedthey will leave nice impressions in the hearts of the Turkish people andinternational friends; and learn valuable experiences from the mission./.
