Turkish Search and Rescue Teams Awarded 'Venezuela Hero' Medal

The Turkish search and rescue teams that participated in the rescue efforts following the earthquakes in Venezuela were awarded the 'Venezuela Hero' medal for their contributions to the country. Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez presented the 'Venezuela Hero' medal to Turkish Armed Forces Humanitarian Aid Brigade Commander Brigadier General Mehmet Bahtiyar and AFAD Denizli Deputy Director Haluk Önay Erten. Six search and rescue dogs from the Turkish teams were also awarded the 'Venezuela's Hero Dog' medal for their active role in the rescue efforts. Rodriguez also handed over a letter of thanks and a medal of appreciation to Turkish Ambassador to Caracas Naci Aydan Karamanoğlu, to be delivered to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Ambassador Karamanoğlu stated in his speech at the ceremony that the Venezuelan administration had organized a special ceremony to thank the foreign search and rescue teams, and that a letter of thanks and a medal were given to the Turkish team as well as to President Erdoğan.