Turkey receives more condolences over forest fires

By Fuat Kabakci

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey on Thursday received more condolences over ongoing wildfires which have claimed eight lives so far.

According to a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg offered his condolences to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu during a phone talk. The two officials also discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan.

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau also expressed his condolences to Cavusoglu over the wildfires burning across southern Turkey in a separate phone call, the statement added.

Cavuoglu also talked to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, with the latest situation regarding the ongoing forest fires discussed.

Bayramov said on Twitter that Azerbaijan always stands by "brotherly Turkey" and "is ready to send any help to Turkey during these difficult times".

Cavusoglu, in response, thanked Azerbaijan on Twitter, saying: "In good times and in bad times, Turkey and Azerbaijan always stand shoulder to shoulder".

Earlier, messages of support poured in for Turkey’s fight against forest fires, including those from Yemen, Spain, Israel, and Egypt.

Turkey's battle against the devastating forest fires in southern provinces continues at full pace on the eighth day. So far, 185 fires in 44 provinces have been contained while efforts to put off 12 others still continue, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said Thursday night.