The delegation from Melikgazi Municipality, visiting Lithuania for the Digital Services Workshop, extended their gratitude to the Lithuanian search and rescue volunteers who came to Turkey's aid during the catastrophic earthquakes on February 6th. They visited the volunteers to express their appreciation for their support.

Melikgazi Municipality Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Palancıoğlu, recalling that the delegation from the municipality conveyed their greetings and gratitude to the Lithuanian search and rescue volunteers on the anniversary of the earthquake, stated, "Our visit to the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior's Fire Protection and Rescue Department was attended by our Melikgazi Municipality Deputy Mayor Turan Akdağ and his accompanying delegation, as well as our country's Ambassador to Lithuania, Barış Tantekin, and the embassy staff. Many of our citizens lost their lives under the rubble during the earthquakes on February 6th. As Melikgazi Municipality, we swiftly reached the disaster areas on the day of the earthquake. During the catastrophic event, rescue teams from around the world quickly arrived in our country. Lithuania was one of these countries. A team of 42 people from Lithuania arrived in the earthquake zone by military aircraft. We hope that our collaborations will continue in friendship and peace, and I would like to express my gratitude to the Lithuanian search and rescue volunteers. We will never forget Lithuania's friendship and support during our difficult times.

Expressing his gratitude for meeting the team that came to Turkey's aid, Melikgazi Municipality Deputy Mayor Turan Akdağ said, "We thank you all for your assistance. You helped us during the toughest days of our country. The day of the earthquake was the coldest day in Turkey, and it started snowing. We thank you for being with us in these challenging conditions and convey the greetings of our Mayor, Mr. Mustafa Palancıoğlu.

Turkey's Ambassador to Lithuania, Barış Tantekin, expressed his gratitude to the members of the Lithuanian international rescue team for their assistance, saying, "I began my duty last January, and a week later, on February 6th, an earthquake occurred in Turkey. During the initial days, there was a great need for rescue teams from other countries. Lithuania sent a team of 42 people to the earthquake zone by military aircraft. Thank you very much for assisting our country. I hope we will continue our cooperation not only during times of disaster but also in good times.

Saulius Grei?ius, the Department Director of the Fire Protection and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania, also stated: "We are very pleased to have our distinguished guests here in Lithuania. Following the earthquake, we worked closely with Turkish authorities. Once again, we extend our condolences to the earthquake victims. It saddens us to have to cooperate in such disasters, but we hope that in the future, the firefighting and rescue services of both countries will be strengthened, and cooperation will be further developed. Our Lithuanian international rescue team, which conducted search and rescue operations in Turkey, still remembers the warm interest, sincerity, and assistance of the Turkish people during the rescue efforts. Upon our return from Turkey, many Turkish citizens welcomed us at the airport and thanked us. If a disaster were to occur in our country, we know that teams from Turkey would also come to our aid.

Gediminas Šukšta, the Commander of the Lithuanian International Rescue Team, expressed his gratitude to the Turkish delegation for visiting them and remembering their efforts, as well as for the assistance provided by the Turkish people at the scene. He mentioned that they were pleased to meet very sincere and straightforward individuals during the visit.