In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Hualien on April 3, a team of Turkish drone experts arrived in Taiwan on Saturday to assist in the search and rescue operations. The team, equipped with advanced drones, immediately headed to the affected area and began working alongside Taiwanese rescue teams on Sunday.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) expressed Taiwan's heartfelt gratitude for Turkey's concern and assistance. "The government and people of our country sincerely appreciate the kind gestures from Turkey, who expressed condolences and offered help immediately after the April 3 earthquake. We hope that the mutual assistance and goodwill between Taiwan and Turkey will continue to spread and circulate in the international community," Lin stated.
Lin further noted that Taiwan had provided various forms of assistance to Turkey after the country experienced a severe earthquake in February last year. A team of seven experts led by Kamil Demirkapu from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation was dispatched to Taiwan. With the coordination of Taiwan's diplomatic units, they brought Turkish-made drones and equipment to assist in the Hualien relief efforts and share their practical experience in collaboration with Taiwan's National Fire Agency.