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Maldives conveys condolences to Turkey and Greece following earthquake in the Aegean Sea

Maldives has conveyed condolences to Turkey and Greece, following the devastating impact of an earthquake which hit the Aegean Sea on October 30.

In a condolence message sent to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid said he was deeply saddened by the news of the loss of lives, injuries, and damage to property in Izmir, Turkey due to the earthquake and tsunami in the Aegean. He noted in this time of national tragedy, the people and the government of the Maldives extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and those directly and indirectly affected by this calamity. He expressed hope the rescue and recovery operations continue smoothly and prayed for strength and fortitude for the brotherly people of Turkey.

In a separate message sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, Foreign Minister Shahid extended heartfelt condolences to Greece on behalf of the government and people of the Maldives for the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property caused by the earthquake and sea surges near Samos, Greece. He added the Maldives hopes the rescue and recovery operations continue smoothly and prayed for strength and fortitude for the friendly people of Greece.

At least 27 people were killed in Turkey and Greece following the powerful earthquake in the Aegean Sea, which sent buildings crashing down and triggering a mini-tsunami. Officials said 25 people were killed in coastal areas in Turkey's west, while two teenagers died on the Greek island of Samos after a wall collapsed on them.