Two Aid Planes Arrive in Damascus as Part of European Aid Bridge

One of the two planes sent by the European Union unloads the aid in Damascus. (Reuters)
One of the two planes sent by the European Union unloads the aid in Damascus. (Reuters)
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Two Aid Planes Arrive in Damascus as Part of European Aid Bridge

One of the two planes sent by the European Union unloads the aid in Damascus. (Reuters)
One of the two planes sent by the European Union unloads the aid in Damascus. (Reuters)

The European Commission announced Sunday the arrival of two planes with emergency aid in the Syrian capital Damascus as part of the humanitarian aid bridge to the regions impacted by the earthquake.

“The planes delivered much-needed relief items such as winterized tents, shelter equipment, and heaters,” said the Commission.

“These are the first such flights landing in Damascus, but they are part of a series of flights transporting assistance from the EU's own humanitarian stockpiles in Brindisi and Dubai to the Syrian people in both government-controlled and non-government-controlled areas.”

It went on to say that the EU has so far responded to the earthquake with €10 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria.

In Türkiye, more than 1,650 rescuers and 110 search dogs were deployed to support the search and rescue operations.

“While the rescue teams have de-mobilized, five medical teams from Albania, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain are still operating on the ground and have treated more than 4,000 people so far.”

The Commission added that 20 EU Member States have also offered shelter items, medical equipment, food, and clothes.

“The EU has, thus far, allocated around €5.7 million for humanitarian assistance to help people affected by the earthquake in Türkiye.”

In the same context, a truck convoy from Pakistan carrying aid for quake victims arrived in Türkiye on Saturday, the Pakistani embassy said.

“As of now, 20 flights have brought relief assistance goods to Türkiye. A ship carrying earthquake relief goods is also scheduled to leave Pakistan for Türkiye soon,” it added.

The convoy was received by Pakistan's Deputy Ambassador Abbas Qureshi and other Turkish officials, according to Anadolu Agency.

“Pakistan and Türkiye have a glorious history of supporting each other under all circumstances,” Qureshi commented.



French President Macron Will Travel to Lebanon on January 17

 French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members for the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2025. (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members for the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2025. (Reuters)
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French President Macron Will Travel to Lebanon on January 17

 French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members for the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2025. (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members for the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2025. (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Lebanon on January 17, Macron's office said on Tuesday, more than a week after Lebanon's parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as head of state.

"With this visit, the head of state wishes to underline France's unwavering commitment to supporting Lebanon, its sovereignty and its unity," said a statement from the French presidency.