ANKARA - State Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin received on Saturday Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Firuz Devletabadi.
Sahin, who made a statement before the meeting, expressed his profound sorrow over death of thousands of people in the quake disaster which hit Bam city of Iran. Sahin had commiserated with Iranian people and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving for their beloved ones.
Stating that Turkey had experienced similar disasters, Sahin said, ''we share sorrows of Iran.''
Devletabadi in his part thanked for the close interest shown by Turkey to Iran, and expressed pleasure over the humanitarian aid.
Devletabadi, who gave information about the quake and ensuing developments, said Iran requested additional humanitarian aid from Turkey to heal the wounds.
Stating that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref talked by phone, Devletabadi stressed that Iran's list of needs was sent to Foreign Ministry. He said that search and rescue teams, sniffer dogs, tents, medicine, generator, field hospital and mobile water device were among their needs.
Sahin said Iran's needs would be met soon and sent, noting that six trucks loaded with tents were set off.
Devletabadi said more than 2,000 people were buried, and that more than 40,000 were under treatment.
(AY) 28.12.2003