Turkey offers help rebuilding Beirut port ruined in explosion

Vice President Fuat Oktay added that his government is ready to use the Turkish port of Mersin to receive products that can be later sent to Lebanon in smaller ships.

Published: 08th August 2020 04:44 PM  |   Last Updated: 08th August 2020 04:44 PM   |  A+A A-

A silo sits in rubble and debris at the scene of an explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020.

The sudden devastation overwhelmed a country already struggling with both the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis. (Photo | AP)

By Associated Press

BEIRUT: Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay says Ankara is ready to help Lebanon rebuild Beirut's port and send ambulance planes to evacuate some of the wounded for treatment in Turkish hospitals.

Oktay spoke on Saturday to reporters after meeting Lebanese President Michel Aoun.

He added that a Turkish search team is working at the port that was destroyed in a massive explosion on Tuesday.

Oktay said Turkey has already sent two field hospitals, 400 tons of wheat and food products.

He added that his government is ready to use the Turkish port of Mersin to receive products that can be later sent to Lebanon in smaller ships.

Oktay arrived earlier in the day with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

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