Ozgun Tiran
12 March 2019•Update: 13 March 2019
KIRKLARELI, Turkey
Turkish and Bulgarian civil defense and fire teams carried out search and rescue exercises as well as fire drills on Tuesday in northwestern Turkey.
The joint exercises took place near the border in the northwestern province of Kirklareli with participation from teams from both countries including Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
During the lifelike drills, the groups played through various scenarios including fire extinction, rescue missions, drone use, medical assistance, etc.
Provincial AFAD head Muhsin Ozer told Anadolu Agency such exercises are important to measure the capabilities of both teams and equipment.
"We identified the operational activities between the two countries," he said, adding that Turkey and Bulgaria would now be able to field a joint response in the case of natural disasters or other incidents requiring civil defense.
Kolyo Gyaurov, a fire chief from Bulgaria, said both sides were very satisfied with the joint-drill, stressing the importance of the operation.
"We also carried out a joint exercise with Turkey about five months ago in Bulgaria. Today we are performing this exercise in Kirklareli," said Gyaurov.
Gyaurov underlined that the partnership between Turkish and Bulgarian officials would continue in the future.
* Writing by Dilara Hamit
