Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledge the Greek search and rescue team EMAK – EKAV and the fireman Thomas Krikellis during a special ceremony granting them the “State Medal of Outstanding Sacrifice” at the National Conference and Cultural Center in the presidential palace in Ankara.

The Turkish president awarded them for the undivided solidarity of Greece in the earthquakes that hit the neighboring country.

Also, as reported by ANT1, Erdogan awarded the Greek ambassador in Ankara, Christodoulos Lazaris with the medal.

“We know who our friends were on that dark day. Personally but also on behalf of my nation and state, I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for your efforts in the earthquake zone. I would also like to thank all our foreign friends who responded to our call for help,” Erdogan said.